Fundraiser and Memory Maker

Maypole Maiden

In the country, high in the hills overlooking the Eel River valley, a small school helps support itself with 3 community fundraisers every year. Of course the parents do other things to raise money but 3 times a year they throw a party for their community. In these far flung areas a “neighbor” can be a 30 minute drive away so often these fundraisers provide the only contact some people have with each other. One man as he threw his arm around a woman said, “Heck, I come to the Spring Fling to find out who’s made it through the winter.”

Rather than fundraisers, these events should be called benefits—they bring not only money to the school but they provide points of warm interaction between differing factions in the community.

Today, the kids put on adorable plays. Watching the great grandmothers and preschool siblings staring wide eyed at the stage I felt the weaving together of time. The memories of the youngest among us will hold those elders with them for another generation.

Kindergartners and grandmothers competed for seats in the cake walk. The Maypole, chopped down by the men in the community, stood in the center of a green field as at least 20 girls and women danced and wove streamers around it. Potluck dishes ranging from chocolate dipped strawberries to deep dish casseroles filled every inch of two tables. Waving trees and blooming roses gathered in pots underneath red and green canopies waiting to be bought and carted home.

Money was indeed made but so were memories.

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8 Comments
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Ren
Guest
Ren
15 years ago

Looks like great weather in the hills. The grass is always so nice and green this time of year.

I once heard through the grapevine that a local school made $12,000 at a spaghetti feed.

Staff
Member
15 years ago

Ren, It’s been beautiful up here. Almost hot. I’m not surprised that a local school did so well. I’ve heard similar figures for other fundraisers.

bluelaker4
Guest
bluelaker4
15 years ago

What a fun fundraiser!

Kato
Guest
Kato
15 years ago

Thanks for the coverage, Kym (and for cleaning up!). It was a perfect day, a wonderful gathering. I like the word “benefit”, too, because I’ve heard people thank the organizers for putting it together. The school serves as our community center, and I think promoting that sense of community is an important part of its mission. It was great to see our resident hermits out for the day, as well as so many alumni and families… especially those up-and-coming who’ll be passed the torch soon. Long live SCCS!

Staff
Member
15 years ago

Yay for Salmon Creekers and their school!

headwrapper
Guest
15 years ago

I’ve always liked this one

Staff
Member
15 years ago

Crack the Whip! Yes, that is great. I forgot. Who is that by?

Staff
Member
15 years ago

Never mind, of course, Winslow Homer–and it’s Snap the Whip…my bad.