Donate

Megan Yeiter, The Park Record
The Park City Education Foundation's annual fundraiser, the Red Apple Gala raised more than $180,000, at Montage Deer Valley on Saturday, to be invested into the Park City School District. This year, the PCEF will be investing $350,000 in district, teacher and site grants, according to Park City Education Foundation Event Coordinator Jennifer Billow, who said that's about $150,000 more than last year.

The foundation's goal this year is to raise $1 million. Billow said asking each parent to donate just $1 per day for each student will help PCEF reach its goal.

"We're really trying to step up with fundraising and marketing goals. It's just nice to launch this whole campaign with such a great event," Billow added. "We have been successful with fundraising but we want to be in that next tier. It's a big goal but it's a realistic goal."

The money raised throughout the year will go into preschool and after-school programs in the elementary schools, the author-in-residence program, gifted and talented programs in the middle schools, Science Fair support, technology integration and application programs, and teacher professional development.

"It was a great night and people had so much fun. The Montage did a wonderful job," Billow added. "I know everyone was really generous."

Last year's event was held at Silver Lake Lodge in Deer Valley and accommodated 200 guests. This year, the event was sold out at about 250 guests. The Montage covered the costs of the evening, which Billow said equaled more than $45,000.

"That's just an amazing donation. It's still a tough economy and the Montage just opened up, and to have all those things come together is just amazing. We couldn't put on that type of event without that sponsorship. They are really trying to be a partner with the Education Foundation."

According to Park City School District Board President Moe Hickey, who is also a member of the PCEF board, the evening was a record for the PCEF.

"There really is a great alignment with the education foundation and school district, which allows us to leverage resources," Hickey added. "Montage was a great partner and unbelievably generous."

Park City School District Superintendent Ray Timothy said the evening was a nice way to gather as a community.

"I thought it was a great event," Timothy said. "It was so nice to see the support of the community and the willingness to come out and support our schools."

Max and Ben Butcher greet guests at the Park City Education Foundation Red Apple Gala. The event was held at Montage last Saturday. Proceeds from the evening will go toward programs in the Park City School District.
Photo courtesy of Shane Jackman