IT TAKES A PENINSULA: Sanislo Elementary’s kids are counting on you

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

So many things that should be basics for students are now “extras.” So, along with raising and educating kids, parents and teachers have to be crowdfunders and event planners, among other things. Some schools’ core communities have resources to draw on … some don’t. In the latter category is the little elementary school in a wooded corner of Puget Ridge, Sanislo. Its longtime tagline has been “the small school with big ideas.” One big idea: Ask the wider community for support. Rebecca Evans hopes you’ll answer the call:

Sanislo Elementary’s Tropical Nights annual auction is next Friday, June 9th at 6 pm. WE HAVE ONLY SOLD 40 out of 200 tickets! While desperation is not really my thing, I’m afraid we will really let the students down if I don’t make a serious call for help.

We are a Title I school and are already limited on financially capable parents, community support and attendees to combat this. Other neighborhood schools in the area have the capability to raise anywhere between 80-120k at their auctions…we have a goal of 5k.

Underserved students have a much higher chance of resorting to unhealthy activity in life like violence, crime, and drugs when not supported otherwise. With 70% of our students receiving free or reduced lunch, a high percentage of refugee families trying to assimilate to a new environment, and an 18% homeless rate, our students are, statistically, primary targets for these outcomes.

Through your support, we have the ability to re-direct mindsets, perceptions and natural barriers to success by providing educational and enrichment EQUITY to help ALL our students become contributing community members by way of support services and enrichment programs.

Please consider supporting the youth in your community by purchasing a ticket and joining us for a night of great fun, food, and music.

We have Two Story Zori, a popular Island band who will be performing and lots of fantastic items for bidding!

You can purchase tickets at www.sanislo.org, where you can also donate to the school’s efforts, even if you aren’t able to make the event!

Please please please consider being a part of changing the narrative! The difference you can make through this small contribution could be life-lasting for our students.

Tickets are only $10 online in advance, including a drink, and the party’s at the legendary Highland Park Improvement Club.

Bonnie June 1, 2017 (7:09 am)

Sanislo PTA – I cannot attend this night but I just purchased a ticket for someone who may wish to attend but cannot afford to (or for a teacher). Please use my ticket for someone else. Have a great time! – Bonnie Gilbert

Rebecca Evans June 1, 2017 (8:59 am)

Thank you Bonnie! We appreciate your support. Another option for anyone who may not be able to attend but would like to donate would be to go here, http://www.sanislo.org/support-our-school/, and use the ‘pay now’ button to donate directly to the cause!

We appreciate your support!

Brenda June 1, 2017 (8:18 am)

Is the event kid friendly? We have a 1st grader at a different school.

WSB June 1, 2017 (8:32 am)

I believe the ticket page says 21+.
Rebecca Evans June 1, 2017 (9:03 am)

Hello Brenda!

The event is 21 and over. We do so much with our kids, the hope is to have a night out to mix and mingle and have a great time, not impossible with kids around but nonetheless, typically a tad more challenging. *wink* If you are able to grab a sitter, we’d love to see you there!

I❤️WS June 1, 2017 (11:42 am)

It may be helpful to list some of the things that are going to be auctioned so folks can see what’s up for grabs. I’ve attended several of these type auctions in the past and have come home with some true treasures.

K June 1, 2017 (4:33 pm)

Thank you for sharing this. I have bought tickets and will be coming with my significant other. We’re an Alki Elementary family and I think it’s important to support all our schools in WS.

Robin June 1, 2017 (9:10 pm)

I will be there!

PCCfan June 1, 2017 (9:47 pm)

Any chance you can get your auction on line in time? I think there are many in the WSEA community who would like to support your school and could really bid-up your auction items. Fairmount Park Elementary has done online auctions for several years now. I’d love to support Sanislo and I know others would too!

Rebecca Evans June 5, 2017 (8:37 pm)

You know, this does seem to be the trend these days! It was brought up a tad too late to include the option this year but we will be looking into it for next year! Thanks for suggesting!

Reeve Washburn June 4, 2017 (12:12 pm)

We will be there! Our two kids have gone through Sanislo and we loved the experience. I have also shared this link with over 25 other Sanislo families, so hopefully you will see the effect!!

Barb June 5, 2017 (8:14 pm)

Bummer! I just tried to buy tickets but they are no longer available!

WSB June 5, 2017 (8:27 pm)

I’ll check in with our contact and see if they’re really sold out or if it’s just a setting on the page, as sometimes happens…
Rebecca Evans June 5, 2017 (8:39 pm)

I’m SOOO sorry Barb! We may have a few more tickets open up but we are nearly at capacity and needed to close off sales so we don’t exceed the building limit. With the AMAZING support of the community, we have just about SOLD OUT! It’s amazing!

MIG June 6, 2017 (10:06 pm)

Rebecca, Thank you for reaching out to the community for help for Sanislo students. Alki Elementary has included an option in their Alki-a-Thon Fundraiser to donate directly to Sanislo, and we will be including a donation to Sanislo through that effort. Congrats on getting the tickets sold!