April 8, 2004

School raises more than $60,000

Williams Elementary PTA ‘Rock the Boat’ benefit saves at-risk programs

By Kimberlie Joyner
Special to the Times

It was anchors away for Rock the Boat, the second annual Williams Elementary spring social, on March 26. The sold-out S.S. Williams set sail at Lou’s Village in San Jose with more than 350 revelers on board for a high-seas adventure featuring live and silent auctions, dinner, casino tables, and dancing.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction preview. Guests lined up to purchase mini treasure chests filled with raffle tickets and other fabulous prizes. Pam Boles won the grand prize, a three-day Mexican Riviera cruise sponsored by Mike and Tracey Chiappe of California Janitorial Supply.

During the sit -own surf-and-turf dinner of steak and salmon, auctioneer Captain Greybeard, parent Dean Madsen, entertained with pirate humor, and, at one point, raised his sword encouraging parents to increase their bids to support the school or “walk the plank.”

The most popular item in the live auction was “Principal for the Day.” Principal Sue Walker explained the lucky student “will get to do everything from using the public address system to benching their friends at recess.” As if that wasn’t enough, a limo would take them and a friend to lunch and ice cream. Two other parents immediately matched the winning bid of $3,100.

The silent auction featured more than 200 items donated from individuals and businesses in the community. Class baskets included everything from a family movie night fun pack to a handpainted antique desk personalized by the students. Teachers, who already donated so much of themselves, sponsored a Teacher Treasures table that included a gourmet dinner party, art lessons, trips to ice cream, babysitting, and even a timeshare in Mexico.

Dealers, dressed as swashbuckling pirates, kept the casino tables busy until midnight when winnings were traded in for casino prize raffle tickets. Steve and Wanda Zehring won the grand prize, a three-day trip to Treasure Island in Las Vegas, sponsored by Mo and Farrah Bani-Taba of Castle View Realty.

The wagers and bidding were all the fun, but the night had a serious purpose. According to PTA President Barb Asplund, the estimated $60,000 raised “will support educational and enrichment programs that are in immediate danger due to state and district budget cuts.” Tracey Chiappe, who chaired the event for the second year in a row, was thrilled with the turnout. “The evening was a huge success and a major accomplishment for a public school. I was yet again overwhelmed by the generosity of the local businesses, teachers and parents.”

Information about Williams Elementary and the event can be found at www.williamselementary.com.