April 29, 2004

Leland High School's Blue and Gold Auction a huge success

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Leland High School's 19 th Blue and Gold Auction, held at the Elks Club Saturday evening, was a bonafide success, with about 220 people answering the school's S.O.S., the theme of the event. Balloons of blue and gold added a festive air, and anchors, life preservers and palm trees lent a nautical flair.

The Blue and Gold Auction committee purposefully chose a relaxed setting for the event, with their focus on fun. Guests socialized, laughing and chatting together, while enjoying their evening out, happy to support their children's school. The silent auction items generated excitement, the balloon poppers sold like hot cakes, and the live auction exceeded expectations.

“I think this event is a tremendous success,” enthused Nancy Dauenhauer, Leland's assistant principal of guidance, and Blue and Gold Auction liaison. “The community, parents, teachers, and staff have donated and found tons of great things to bid on tonight, and our sports teams have created fun baskets featuring sports memorabilia—there's something for everybody. I think it's going to be a really fun evening, and I'm looking forward to the whole thing.”

Guests buzzed about the silent auction tables, perusing the selection, and vying for bids on their favorite items. Parent Tricia Herz, who has a junior and an upcoming freshman at Leland, was interested in the three-month membership at the Decathalon Club, which her husband won last year. “It was the best deal, and I'm hoping to win it again,” she said.

“The turnout has been great—it's been even better than we expected,” commented event co-chair Barbara Connors, “and we're very happy about it. We sold all the balloon poppers with wonderful prizes, and they went really fast.”

“It's really exciting, especially to see how many people turned out,” expressed event co-chair Patty Young. “It's nice that we have this chance to get together and help out the kids. The nautical theme was tied in with sending out an ‘S.O.S.' to let people know that our schools need help, and people pulled through.”

“It's a pleasure to be here,” said San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) Superintendent Dr. Linda Murray, “and to see this amazing level of support from our community, which is needed for our schools.”

“There are about twice as many people here as last year,” observed SJUSD School Board President Gary Rummelhoff. “It's a great event, and the donations are super. The event's success goes with the amount of effort that's put into it, and this year they've kicked it up a notch.” The Rummelhoffs donated a wood-fired pizza party for eight for the silent auction, and Gary's wife, Jean co-chaired the Solicitation Committee. “A couple of years ago we put in a new patio in the backyard with a wood burning pizza oven, and we found it's really fun to entertain. It's also a way to get to meet other people,” he shared. “I'm anxious to see what it goes for.”

“Coming out to support the Leland program is important,” said attendee Jim Rulfs. “It's nice to see so many parents willing to do that, and so many of the community businesses lending their support through donations. It's for a really good cause, and gives you a chance to meet other parents away from the school.” His wife Sueann agreed. “We love this,” she said. “It's a lot of fun, and helps support the sports teams. We're waiting for just the right time to place our bids in the silent auction.”

“Leland High School's a great school,” contended alumni Jeff Ramona, who is committed to helping out the school. “Two of my kids have gone through it, and I have one currently at Bret Harte. I'm having a great time seeing people I haven't seen for awhile, and it's for a great cause.” Ramona bid on a number of auction items and had his eye on a Tiger Woods print. He was also the top bidder at the Blue and Gold Live Auction, winning Chef Emile's Dinner for Ten. “We won it last year and it was just fantastic,” he said. “It's a five-star dinner, and we're just thrilled to be able to do it again.”

After welcoming the crowd, event co-chair Patty Young requested that they take a moment of silence in memory of Leland High School's beloved graduate Pat Tillman, who was recently killed serving his country as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. Before enlisting in the army, he wed his high school sweetheart, Marie Ugenti. Tillman, who will be remembered for his outgoing nature, played football at Leland and went on to play in the NFL. Loyal to his team, he turned down a lucrative contract with the St. Louis Rams, in favor of remaining with the Arizona Cardinals. He was only 27-years-old when he died, but he made a tremendous impact on all who knew him, and he continues to be an inspiration. (See the cover story.)

The funds raised from the Blue and Gold Auction will be divided equally between the Parents' Club and the Boosters' Club. “The Parents' Club money will go towards fulfilling Leland's teachers' wish lists, and students' events such as the May ‘BBQ and Mixer Too' dance carnival, and senior scholarships,” remarked Connors. “It will also fund our back-to-school breakfast, teacher appreciation lunch in the spring, and a senior brunch the day before graduation. This money goes to cover all of those costs. I think it's going to be a great year, maybe our best one yet.” Leland's Head Football Coach Kelly Edwards concurs. “It's a great event for the school, and the athletic program,” he stated. “It raises money, and gets Leland's parents together, having a good time.” The Boosters' Club will apply their proceeds from the evening towards purchasing sports equipment, and a scoreboard. Edwards, who's been coaching at Leland for three years, appreciates being a part of its family atmosphere. “It's a great experience,” he commented. “The kids are great, and it's a great school to be at.”

“It was a fun event,” attested Principal Susan Votaw. “It showed the extent of community support this school has. I think everybody had a good time, and I'm sure it brought in a significant amount of money. The gift baskets were wonderful and full of surprises, and the committee was awesome. A lot of people worked really hard to pull this off. It definitely helps the school to provide athletic and teacher resources.” In the past, they've purchased projection equipment so teachers could do PowerPoint demonstrations in the classroom, 300 blue folding chairs for the cafeteria, and senior scholarships.

Blue and Gold Auction Committee members included Laura Foote, Louise Gill, Renee Kempton, Tim Kempton, Smita Patel, and Jean Rummelhoff. Co-chairs Barbara Connors and Patty Young thanked them at the event with bouquets of flowers. “These are the people who have spent tireless hours to put this together to make it what it is tonight,” commended Young.

“The balloon poppers were great,” enthused volunteer Laura Foot. “We had 60 balloons, and every one of them went as people walked in the door. We sold them for $10 a pop, and we made $600. If we have more donations next year, we'll definitely do more.” Balloon prizes included everything from Baja Fresh gift certificates to $100 off a two-night stay at Breakers Inn, an AVAC membership fee plus one month's dues, and two tickets to Disneyland.

The silent auction raised over $20,000, with prizes like Jim Nelson Photography, Go 4 Gold Soccer Camp, a weekend retreat at a Bear Valley home, gourmet dining for four created by Leland teachers Mrs. Arrington and Mr. Kel-Artinian, San Francisco Giants tickets, and a ride in a police helicopter. A Mother's Day-themed basket featured an 11x14 wall portrait from Phoenix photography, a facial at La Concha Spa Salon, afternoon tea at Lisa's Tea Treasures, a Portmeirion collectible teapot, truffles, and a house and garden tour at Filoli. A Guy's Day Out basket included a one-month membership to Almaden Swim and Racquet Club, lunch at Britannia Arms, tickets to San Jose Giants games, a baseball autographed by Dusty Baker, Jeff Garcia's 49ers football jersey, and a hands-free phone from Plantronics.

However, the Blue and Gold live auction was the high point of the evening, and highly successful, with a grand total of $7,175 raised from just eight items. As an added incentive, all guests at the winners' tables shared in a champagne toast. Live auction prizes included a dozen roses once a month for a year from Bloomsters, two reserved parking spots, a five-course dinner for 10 prepared by chef Emile Mooser, a Thomas Kinkade painting, entitled “Lilac Bouquet,” a family getaway at Lake Almanor (which sold twice), and a weekend in the wine country with a two-night stay at Madrona Manor.

“It was a phenomenal evening,” said parent Sandy Monsees. “We had great support from the community. I'm hoping to win front-row tickets for senior graduation in the silent auction. I also bid on prom tickets for the senior ball.” Parent Joy Bender thought the event was well organized and turned out very well. “Everyone's who's here is happy to be here, and happy to support the kids,” she asserted.