Lauren Adelsen, chair of the Stuart Baker Elementary School (SBES) parent council, said community spirit was on full display at Hal High last week, with 200 people supporting a foodie fundraiser designed to bring new playground equipment to SBES and J.D. Hodgson.
A ‘pasta for playground’ benefit was held in the high school cafeteria Feb. 26, adding approximately $10,000 to the kitty. Adelsen said that brings the total to $55,000 in just a few weeks, following a similarly successful poinsettia fundraiser over the holidays.
“I’m really floored by how generous the community has already been,” Adelsen said. “This is not just a school project, it’s something that benefits the entire community because the playground will be open to people after school hours and during the holidays… if everybody pitched in even a little amount, we would reach our goals that much faster.”
Adelsen said the group is hoping to raise $300,000 for the playground replacement. She noted the current pirate ship structure is nearing end-of-life and will likely “only last another year or two.”
There was support from all over the community last week, Adelsen said. As well as people pitching in money, the high school’s hospitality and tourism class prepared the meal, Haliburton Lions Club volunteers donated their time to serve the food, while Drew Allen offered his musical talents.
Several businesses donated gifts for a live auction, which runs until March 12. There are 15 items featured, available at: www.facebook.com/media/ set/?set=a.122095897880462327&type=3.
Starting out with the SBES parent council in 2023, Adelsen said a new playground has been on both school’s wishlists for some time. After two successful launch events, she said there will be more to come later this year.
“We’re looking at doing a garage sale in conjunction with the school’s annual track and field event. We’re also going to have a spring carnival at the end of the school year,” Adelsen said. “We’re really hoping to have the money to put up a replacement as soon as the current structure is torn down, otherwise the playground will be empty.”
