La Mesa Newcomer Making Noise for Northmont’s Silent Auction

Before school even started, newbie La Mesan Jennifer Burnham called ’s PTA to get involved. Now she’s off on a scavenger hunt for items to sell in the school’s Fall Carnival silent auction.

“Parents [already] are asked to donate till they bleed basically, so we’re asking local businesses to get involved,” said Burnham, who lives a quarter-mile from the school with children Arleigh and Danielle.

She has some gift basket theme ideas―like Gone to the Dogs, Let’s Build Something and the Grill Master, to name a few―and is asking for items to fill them. She’s most excited about the Relax and Rejuvenation basket because it reminds her of one she got years ago from her husband.

“But my absolute favorite thing was this little, chintzy washcloth,” she said after briefly describing the contents. “It’s been with me for five years. It lives in a little corner in my bathroom, and my kids are not allowed to touch it.”

Business owners are asked to call 619-240-4876* to make a donation, and Burnham insists nothing is too small.

“We will take absolutely anything and I’ll find a home for it,” she said, referring to one of the 16 themed baskets.

The carnival takes place Saturday, Oct. 29, and money raised will help fund field trips, after-school programs and other activities. (Formal request attached.)

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story listed an incorrect phone number.