Oak Grove All Star-Bash Raises $22,000 for PTA

Ashley Nylander, 7, giggled as she spun around on the Giant Swing ride, her hair spray painted pink and her face decorated like a butterfly.

About 2,300 people attended the Oak Grove Elementary School "All-Star Bash" carnival on Friday afternoon. Over $22,000 was raised for special programs at OGES.

PTA Recording Secretary Denise Coffey volunteered by selling tickets in a booth at the carnival.

"This event raises money for music, technology and art," said Coffey. "Otherwise our children wouldn't have those things that we had growing up. We have an incredible group of people working here today and they all made this possible."

Money raised will benefit Art Masters, the Class Act Music Partnership, Primary music (K-1) and MIND Music (2-3.) A computer lab for second and third graders was created last year with PTA funds. This year the PTA purchased document cameras for fourth and fifth grade classrooms and video cameras for the fifth grade to use. Interactive MIMEO whiteboards were also ordered for the fifth grade classes. 

"We've ordered new laptops for our fourth grade teachers," said OGES PTA President Catrina Bryant. "There currently isn't enough technology money at the district to provide replacements."

The OGES PTA purchases playground equipment, paper and school supplies.

"We're talking basics here, like [playground] balls," said Bryant. "If the Oak Grove PTA doesn't fund it, our kids don't get it. PTA programs offer a more well rounded or a more complete education. With each cut made to education funding, our children receive less but are still expected to perform and excel. It's difficult."

Volunteers, staff and teachers worked at the fundraising carnival. Carnival rides were provided by James Event Productions.

A large carnival tent sheltered dozens of donated prize baskets for a silent auction. A sign hanging on the outside of the tent said, "Over $95,000 Worth of Products & Services." Items included in the silent auction were a Nordstrom's Gift Card, a Tiffany Key Pendant Necklace and an Ipad 2. Two reserved parking spaces were auctioned off at $1,600.

Sponsors of the event included Stewart Sound, Coffey & Coffey Attorneys at Law, Blink Optometry, Dr. Manish Marolia, Chuck Hovey Yachts, Batesole Orthodontics and Prudential California Realty.

"The Oak Grove All-Star Bash is successful because of the support and help of each and every parent, teacher, staff member, child and business that either donates time, materials or sponsorship funds to the event," said Bryant. "We would like to thank them all. We would also like to thank our local schools in Aliso Viejo and our school district, Capistrano Unified, for promoting our event throughout our district."

Bryant has been volunteering through Oak Grove for nine year.

"I have been PTA President three times and while the list of needs at our school continues to grow, I have seen our families and local community continuously support and provide for our students and staff," said Bryant. "Again, it takes each and every person to educate a child and we are so lucky to be a part of it."