The high school culinary arts program contributed to the EATS event with some tasty treats. From left: Culinary arts teacher Jason Gesch along with students Alize Pierre and Cedric Rock work fast to make sure the table was full of food throughout the evening.
Thursday evening, March 9 the high school hallway corridor running from the Eagle Doors to the high school gymnasium was abuzz with the splendid aroma of cooking food, the sounds of music, laughter and talking as more than 100 people gathered to enjoy the annual EATS event.
Area restaurants, food vendors and the high school culinary arts program put out a wide variety of interesting and delicious food and desserts for the gatherers to peruse and to partake.
Sponsored by the Cook County School District 166 Education Foundation, the 2018 Enriching Academics Through Sustenance (EATS) program grossed about $8,000, although not all of the money from the silent auction and expenses had been fully tabulated by press time.
Where does that money go?
The I.S.D. 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. Since the educational foundation’s inception, nearly $102,000 in donations has been provided by the foundation to help sponsor school activities not covered under the budget.
So far in 2018, the foundation has awarded $4,700. A $3,000 check was given to help support the Social Justice Conference, $500 was donated to help pay for the 5th grade Wolf Ridge field trip, and $1,200 was granted to the Clay Club.
This year only 150 tickets at $25 each were offered for EATS, but many participants bid on silent auction items donated by local business and individuals to boost the income generated by this fundraiser.
While the crowd mingled and munched, Jim Lundorff, one of the school district’s excellent elementary teachers, performed at 6 p.m. so patrons could eat and relax in the cafeteria while listening to his great voice and guitar. The school’s choir director, Erika Ternes, along with the middle school and high school choir performed at 6:30, and lastly the high school band under the direction of Mikkel Haas performed at 7 p.m.
The money raised from EATS helps to finance activities like Clay Club. These funds help pay for supplies and materials for an afterschool K-12 Clay Club that is run by CCHS art teacher Mila Horak and Melissa Wickwire, another talented local artist.
Clay Club is divided into two groups, so instruction is more developmentally appropriate. Students meet for two hours once a week after school, and there are no costs to participate.
It is estimated that 40-80 students will participate in Clay Club this spring and will continue next fall when school resumes – 16 weeks of instruction.
Mila and Melissa wrote other grants, as well, and received funds from the Arrowhead Electric Cooperative to pay for snacks and funds for a teaching artist were secured from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC).
EATS funding for the Social Justice Conference on Friday, March 9, was provided to cover the cost of the middle school and high school keynote speaker, Bill Blackwell, along with conference supplies and materials for elementary, middle and high school students.
The Social Justice Conference had three goals: to foster student voice and develop student agency, to acknowledge and seek understanding of how identity influences individual experiences, and to engage in critical conversations while maintaining respect and accountability.
The conference’s purpose was to improve both social cohesion and the freedom of individuals to interact in the Cook County schools without fear of prejudice or discrimination. The conference provided a safe space for students to engage in critical conversations and cultivate a sense of community.
Serving on the 2018 Education Foundation board are Myron Bursheim, Pat Campanaro, Annie DeBevec, Harry Drabik, Devlin DuVall, Gene Erickson, Hal Greenwood, Lorelei Livingston, Doug Sanders, and Ann Sullivan.
One of the board members who wishes to remain anonymous said, “This was the 15th E.A.T.S. (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance) hosted by the Cook County Schools ISD #166 Education Foundation. How this fundraiser continues to thrive is due to the very generous businesses and individual donors throughout Cook County. The wonderful attendees who enjoy the food and bid on the variety of silent auction items also contribute to the success of this annual event.
“Many thanks to the board members who serve on the Education Foundation and the school staff members who quietly volunteered countless hours for this fundraiser. Teamwork is how this annual event continues to flourish. Thank you, everyone, for helping make EATS 2018 great!”
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