6th Annual Benefit and Auction

Saturday ~ March 14, 2009
Clubhouse at Lake Sconti in Big Canoe
6-10:30 pm  

(Be sure to visit our Photo Gallery for pictures of the 2008 Gala)

Wildwood Christian Academy Announces New Gala Venue

By: Melissa Lowrie 

The 6^th Annual Wildwood Christian Academy Auction and Gala will be held this year on Saturday, March 14^th, at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. The handsome new venue will be a distinct change from the indoor tennis center where past Galas have been held. “We are thrilled this year to hold our Gala at the beautiful new Clubhouse in Big Canoe. It will be the perfect setting for our guests to enjoy a wonderful evening,” stated Jonetta Womack, President of the Wildwood Parent Action Council.

Back by popular demand, the duo Banks & Shane will provide the entertainment for the Gala guests. If you’ve not had the opportunity to hear the high-energy sound of Banks & Shane, this is your chance. Wear your dancing shoes and plan to get your tickets early, as this exciting and fun event is sure to sell out fast. 

Tickets for this year’s event will be $75 per person, which includes one beverage ticket, delicious food from the Clubhouse and, of course, the fabulous entertainment. The live auction this year will feature auctioneer Rhonda Duffy of Duffy Auctions and is sure to be an exciting part of the evening. In years past, Live Auction items have included incredible vacations, dining experiences and art; and this year proves no different. A Silent Auction will also be part of the evening. Auction items include Atlanta Ballet Tickets, a visit to the Center for Puppetry Arts, Tennessee Aquarium tickets and the very popular Spiritual Art pieces, created by Wildwood students. 

Tickets are limited this year, so make your plans now to be a part of the event. Proceeds will directly benefit Wildwood Christian Academy, including the scholarship fund, media and technology enhancements, staff development and student enrichment. Please see the advertisement in this issue of Smoke Signals for information on how to make your reservation. Sponsorship opportunities are available; if interested, please contact John Drew at (706)268-1982.  For more information about Wildwood Christian Academy, please call the school office at (770)893-3300 or visit www.wildwoodchristianacademy.com.

 Auction Items

Committees currently being formed under four separate Chairs: 

1.  Logistics (Patricia Hopkins)

Includes:  Theme, Facility, Entertainment, Decorations, Food and Beverage, Linens, Paper Goods/Water & Soda, Tables/Chairs/Stage, Tennis Balls, Slide Show, Welcome/Sign-In, Set-up, Clean-up.

2.  Communications (Amy Teague)

Includes:  Forms/Letters, Parent Packets, Acquisition Forms and Bid Sheets, Invitations/Stationary/Raffle Tickets, Reservations, Parent Letters and updates, Publicity

3.  Auction (Cindy Lawson)

Includes:  Item gathering, storing and tracking, Auctioneer, Program Folder, Raffle item, Teacher/Faculty items, Class Project Donation, Count Your Blessings Fund, Supplies, Auction Set-up/Clean-up, Item Follow-up, Thank You notes, Party Assistants

4.  Sponsors (Bob Curry and John Drew)

Includes:  Acquiring contracts, Banners, Thank you notes

Please contact Chairs for volunteer opportunities, we need your help!

Check back for updated information, items, and sponsors!

The Count Your Blessings Fund has begun!

 The Count Your Blessings Fund is an opportunity for the students to participate  in the annual Auction & Gala and has historically been a wonderful success!

The students raise their own money and donate it toward the “Count Your Blessings Fund!”   A large glass jar is placed in the Dining Hall where students place their money.  The students enjoy watching the money grow and multiply during the weeks leading up to the Auction & Gala.

The students’ Count Your Blessings Fund then becomes a LIVE auction item at the Gala.  Multiple bids will be accepted for this auction item, as the goal is to match or exceed the amount our children have collected.  All $$$ raised from this contribution are 100% tax deductible and are deposited directly into Wildwood’s Scholarship Fund.  The Scholarship Fund assists students who would otherwise not be able to financially attend the Academy.  Last year, Count Your Blessings raised over $9,000.   

How it Works:

·       Students complete odd jobs, bake and sell cookies, donate their allowance, etc.

·       Their earnings are then placed in a large jar located in the Dining Hall. 

·       The children write down what they did to earn the funds and place it on the Count Your Blessings Fund Board. 

·       Every Wednesday in Chapel, the children receive recognition for their efforts and a job well-done!

Please encourage your child to participate in this wonderful cause! 

The 2009 Gala Committee