Colusa gets cracking atschool fundraiser
Claws and legs were flung across tables as more than 300 bibdonned guests eagerly consumed buckets of crab at the annual Our Lady of Lourdes School crab feed in Colusa on Friday.
The parent-run fundraiser helps support operating costs for the private, Catholic K-8 school.
Although it’s been a popular community event for the past 11 years, this is the first time the crab feed has completely sold out. The school managed to raise $8,300 from ticket sales, but the auctions are expected to add a generous contribution to the total.
“People called for tickets today, and we actually had to turn them down,” said Barbara Genera, the school principal. “I think this is the biggest crowd we’ve ever had.”
Tickets gave patrons access to all-you-can-eat crab legs – hand delivered by parent and school alumni volunteers in carts filled to the brim with the tasty crustaceans. Guests were also treated to homemade baked beans, salad, garlic bread and a dessert bar stocked by community donations.
“The crab’s fantastic,” said Marian Boyes, a retired Colusa teacher. “We still come even though we don’t have students here anymore.”
Most of the fundraiser’s guests were members of the Colusa community, but an even greater majority was affiliated with the school. Parents and grandparents of current students could be counted among the crowd to show support.
“It’s all about the kids,” said Christine Rodriguez, a community member. “I have five grandkids that go here, and it’s absolutely the best thing for them.”
After dinner, volunteers started announcing the winners of raffle prizes, which were all donated by local businesses and families. Some of the prizes included novelties like an ATV, a weather monitoring system, Traeger barbecue, wine gift baskets and a Donald Trump Chia Pet.
Bake-savvy community members whipped up homemade confections for the fundraiser’s dessert auction. Students took turns displaying each dessert as a volunteer auctioneer called out bids. Larger pastries like pies and cakes started the bid at $100.
“It’s a lot of fun; it’s part of my community service project,” said Abbie Smith, an eighth grader volunteering for the dessert auction. “This year is a lot better because there are more prizes.”
At the end of the night, fundraiser attendees weren’t the only ones going home full; raising more than $8,000 made this the school’s most successful crab feed thus far.
“As a small school, you rely heavily on fundraising efforts,” said John Ascencion, an event coordinator and parent. “I just want to thank all the local sponsors that donate to our little school.”