'Auction Week' raises record $540,000 for Menlo Park schools 'Auction Week' raises record $540,000 for Menlo Park schools (May 18, 2005)

The Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation set a record by raising $540,000 -- an increase of $100,000 over last year -- for the Menlo Park City School District from its annual Auction Week, which ended on an upbeat note with a dinner and auction May 7.

State Sen. Joe Simitian doubled as guest auctioneer for the event. The record results included over $400,000 raised at the dinner and auction with the remaining $140,000 coming from three sources: the sale of 68 classroom art projects, created by students; the sale of raffle tickets; and the 2005 Fund-a-Need program to enhance the music program at Laurel, Encinal, Oak Knoll and Hillview Middle schools.

"Thanks to Senator Simitian's skills as auctioneer and statesman, district parents and community leaders were motivated to bid generously in our live auction," said Jill Parker, foundation president.

Auction Week generates approximately one-third of the revenue raised by the foundation

Every year as part of Auction Week, the foundation raises money for a new or urgent priority, called "Fund-a-Need." This year's priority is to raise funds to broaden the district music program by providing master teachers, artists-in-residence and new music technology.

Some 650 people dined, danced and bid at the auction. Despite a gloomy weather forecast, sunshine prevailed and there were no sprinkles during the event, held in an Atherton garden.

The item that generated the single highest bid was a private, 10-course dinner party, donated by Menlo Park school district trustee Laura Rich and her husband, Mark, and purchased for $18,000.

The foundation reported that separately it raised $79,000 from local business sponsors, including a group of local real estate people plus these companies and firms: Agile Asset Management, Rudolph & Sletten, Charles Schwab & Co., Heller Ehrman, Pacific Peninsula, Skadden Arps and Sofinnova Ventures.

The foundation acknowledged these Auction Week organizers for their leadership: Tina Bird, Mary Summers, Julie Brody, Ellen Leanse, Maria Hilton, Katie Hadrovic, Kathy Oppenheimer, Cathy Clark Arnold, Mari Chazen, Celia Aufdemberge and Chrissie Kremer.

During its 23-year history, the foundation has granted more than $10 million dollars in support of programs at the four district schools.

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