On Friday, March 29, Magnolia Montessori School (MMS) will host their sixth annual drawdown fundraiser, “Oh, What a Night at Gatsby’s,” at the Powerhouse. Festivities kick off at 7 pm and will feature music by Jared Spears & The Cakewalkers. School executive director Edy Dingus will serve as the master of ceremonies.
“This year, we planned the event with our school community’s many resources in mind,” said Dingus. School community members Saint Leo and Chicory Market will provide bar service and heavy hors d’oeuvres,
including a custom event cocktail.
MMS is a small non-profit school located in Lafayette County. “The proof of MMS’ success, aside from what and how much my child learns, is that he leaves for school excited and returns home happy,” said Development Chair Anne Rhodes. “It’s truly the ideal education for us.”
The school fundraiser is made up of two important pieces: the silent auction and the $3,000 drawdown. The auction will feature local artwork from Andi Bedsworth, Elizabeth Behm, Frances Anderson Inman, and more. Other donated items include museum and yoga “experience packages,” a tailgating package courtesy of Aramark, a professionally built Craftsman
dollhouse, and more. Entry to win the $3,000 drawdown is included in the regular ticket price.
Throughout the night, names will be taken out of the collection of tickets until one ticket remains. The person holding the last remaining ticket will walk away with the $3,000 prize.
“Every school needs to show gratitude to its families, and every nonprofit needs a big Spring fundraiser,” Dingus said. “The Drawdown gives us the chance to raise money while celebrating our people.” All community members are also welcomed to purchase tickets for the Big Raffle,
a “Getaway to 30A” including three nights at a beautiful Florida beach condo that sleeps 12.
Virtual Big Raffle tickets can be purchased by cash, check, or Venmo (@MagnoliaMontessori). Guests can purchase additional raffle tickets or try to win raffle tickets by playing Plinko. The winner of the Big Raffle will be announced at the Drawdown, but you do not need to be present to win. The winner of the $3,000 prize must be present to claim the prize. Event tickets can be found online and are priced at $75 per person. Ticket price includes food, drink, bidding, and entry into the drawdown. The event is open to everyone. This year’s theme is inspired by the iconic Roaring Twenties. Dress code is come-as-you-are, but guests are welcome to don their vintage finest.
For the past two years, the school has been able to raise over $25,000.
All event proceeds fund teacher training, classroom materials, and student scholarships. “Our staff, students, and families are committed to sharing the joy of Montessori with the greater community,” said Dingus. “The drawdown gives us a chance to share our vision with others, and to work together to further our mission to support our students.”
To learn more about this year’s Drawdown and Magnolia Montessori School, visit www.magnoliamonetssorischool.com.
