The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Celebration, fundraiser takes over auto showroom
Display cars were pulled outside of Nick Abraham Elyria Ford’s large showroom, 1115 E Broad St., on May 8 to let in excitement and pride for Elyria City Schools’ Education Celebration and Fundraiser.
Education Celebration debuted this year as a day to praise educators and raise funds on Educators Day.
The event formally was known and celebrated as the district’s Cinco De Mayo Celebration.
An afternoon welcoming Elyria educators, students and citizens was filled with spring-like picnic foods, a pickle bar, art, raffle prizes and entertainment by a couple local, familiar faces.
Musical performances were made by Elyria High School art teacher Michael Brand and Eastern Heights Middle School music teacher Rachel Brown, who performed alongside her band Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys. This was the staff members’ first time playing for the fundraiser.
The celebration and fundraiser is an annual initiative that raises funds for
future levy and bond issue campaigns, according to Amy Higgins, marketing and communications director for Elyria Schools.
Elyria Citizens Committee for Quality Education promoted the event.
The Education Celebration is one of a couple of fundraisers held for the district.
Higgins said all proceeds not only will benefit any bond issues and levy campaigns, but also a renewal levy on the ballot for November
2018.
This renewal gives the money for operating funds and helps maintain the district’s stability, she said.
“Stuff like this just helps us promote (levies), advertise and campaign for when it gets closer to that period,” Higgins said. “But really, we love these because it brings school and community together. It’s for everybody and it’s just fun.”
She then joked, “Who can turn down a pickle bar?”
Thomas Jama, superintendent of Elyria Schools, showed his appreciation to Abraham Elyria Ford for allowing the district to have a celebration at the dealership.
Jama said it’s a huge effort for the dealership to get all the cars out of the showcase room and provide an awesome opportunity to have community relations with one another.
“This is an awesome time for the staff and community to get together to celebrate all of our successes and to share all the fun and (activities) of our community,” he said. “It’s all about the kids and that’s what we come together for.”
Although the event is a fun activity, it’s still a fundraiser, Jama said.
In order to have fun schools, a district has to pass levies, he said.
To pass levies, a district has to have campaign money through sources like fundraiser, Jama said.
He then shared his appreciation for supporters of Elyria Schools.
“That’s what’s so special about Elyria Schools; it’s a Pioneer family,” Jama said.
Nick Abraham, the owner of the dealership, said they have worked with Elyria Schools since the times they only operated in one facility.
Abraham said the dealership enjoys supporting many of the city’s businesses and schools, as well as outside communities.
“We want to give back,” he said “It’s a community thing.”
He then joked that the dealership is the best banquet hall in town.
“It’s one of those things; the community helps you, you help the community,” Abraham said. “And besides, we like to help the kids if it’s for them.”