Lakeside to hold movie fundraiser
The Lakeside School District will show the animated movie “Happy Feet” tonight at the football field as a fundraiser for the Women’s Chamber of Commerce scholarship fund.
Lakeside partnered with Diamond Dance Company for its ninth annual Dancin’ for a Cause Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Superintendent Shawn Cook and Jennifer Vaughn, owner of Diamond Dance Company, will perform a ballroom routine, choreographed by Vaughn, during the event on Oct. 1. Cook said he is passionate about helping students in their education endeavors and “gladly supports the cause.”
“It not only aids Lakeside graduates, but all graduating seniors in the Garland County area,” Cook said.
Susan Harris suggested Lakeside revive a family movie night event previously held by the Lakeside High School student council. The event has been well-attended in the past. Harris, Lakeside parental involvement public relations, formerly sponsored the student council.
“It’s an inexpensive family night and a great way to bring our Lakeside community together,” Harris said.
“Happy Feet” was released in 2006 and grossed almost $200 million in the domestic box office. The film won an Oscar for Best Animated Film. It was chosen based on the dance theme of the fundraiser.
The movie will be shown at 7:30 p.m. today on an inflatable outdoor movie screen at the Lakeside football field. Admission is $5 per family or $2 per person. The event will be moved inside Ram Fieldhouse if inclement weather occurs.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase.
The Women’s Chamber of Commerce’s signature event teams up area celebrities with local dance instructors to perform a variety of dances, including the East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Salsa, Texas Two Step, Cha Cha, Tango, Charleston, Fox Trot, Merengue, Rumba and Viennese Waltz. Teams also raise money by selling tables, selling advertisements for the evening program and collecting silent auction items.
“I am very excited to be involved in the Dancin’ for a Cause event,” Vaughn said. “It’s an honor to be part of a community that inspires children and likes to see a good show. We are working hard to help fundraiser to provide scholarships to local students and give the audience a wonderful performance.”
Cook said he was “all in” when he was approached about taking part in the competition. He and Vaughn began work on their routine last week and will continue rehearsals through September.
Dancin’ for a Cause is held each year to provide financial support to graduating seniors. The Women’s Chamber has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors and National Park College students since the scholarship fund was established in 1966.
The winners are the team to raise the most money for the scholarship fund. Lakeside said Cook and Vaughn are not only working to perfect their routine, but also to raise money for the cause.