Roseville Area Schools Foundation Marks First Annual Festival

When the Roseville Area Schools Foundation (RASF) held its first annual festival fundraiser last weekend at HarMar Mall, the non-profit group staged its event in conjunction with the school district’s Kid Creations Art Show.

The art show, which ends a 14-day run May 20, features works by kindergarten to 12th grade students. The plethora of art works include whimsical abstract paintings, collages, landscape art and portraits. 

Isabella Haeg,  a kindergartner from Falcon Heights Elementary School,  last Saturday stood proudly in front of her creation, a four-piece owl portrait.  “I like to use a lot of color,” she said, through a shy smile.  

Haeg said she worked on her project for four days and was very happy to see it hanging for visitors to see.

Kara Sime, chair of the Roseville Area Schools Foundation, said there were synergies in pairing the Art Show and  Foundation Festival.

“We wanted to offer an even greater experience for everyone,” Sime said. “I think people really liked seeing the art together with the fundraiser."

Meanwhile, last Saturday marked the first annual Foundation Festival, a lively night filled with fine art, food and fundraising. More than 200 silent auction items ranging from handmade goods to gift baskets donated by local businesses.  The Taste of HarMar also gave supporters the opportunity to indulge in tasty samples from local restaurants. And  eight groups from the school district entertained the audience with musical and dramatic performances.

Sime said the work of the Foundation is important because its monies help support district staff , equipment and programs that would otherwise would go lacking for money. In 2009-2010, the Foundation awarded about $55,000 in grants; this school year it’s fundraising goal is $70,000, Sime said in the group’s  latest annual report.

“For each grant cycle, we get requests in a far greater amount that we can possibly grant,” Sime said.  “The grants are all very much needed.  We want to continue to raise funds to give back to the students and the staff,” she added. Twice a year, teachers and staff can apply for grants for various programs at their schools within District 623. 

The RASF is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance educational opportunities in the District to support educational programs that enrich learning.  The RASF awards grants  in the District for programs that reinforce learning, problem solving and creative thinking.  Examples of some grants are SMART Board Technology installation in classrooms and an on-site artist teaching African dance and drumming,

 The RASF was founded in 1991 when local community and business leaderRobert O. Ashbach made an initial gift. 

“Robert’s dedication to improving educational programs in the Roseville Area Schools has made a drastic impact on the foundation today,” Sime said.