“Anchors Aweigh” Parents’ Group annual auction a huge success
The Anchors Aweigh Annual Auction held by the Parents’ Group was a huge success this year. The auction is the biggest fundraiser held each year by the parents and proceeds support items for all grades in addition to big ticket purchases such a new van, bus, sailboat, and outfitting a technology classroom, etc.
The event, held on Saturday, March 5th at The Club at Treasure Island was attended by over 125 parents, faculty and friends. Attendees really embraced the “Anchor’s Aweigh” cruising theme, especially the Kindergarten dads who wore attire fit for an appearance on the Love Boat television show.
Viewing items like an autographed football by Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson or an exclusive 14K White Gold custom diamond anchor with 16” necklace by Diamonds Direct put everyone in the mood for a wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Paul and a live performance by the the Exhibition Drill Team who performed their skit, a Lawn Chair Drill, in their beach attire.
All of this preceded the main event — the live auction.
Now, as many who have attended in the past know, this isn’t just any old auction with just any old auctioneer. This is an event where people are not only enthused about the items being auctioned but by the entertainment delivered by the auctioneer — John Lescarbeau, who happens to be the father of Jack, class of 2016, and alumna Julia, class of 2013.
Oh, and Mr. Lescarbeau happens to be from Boston and brings with him a bit of brash and bravado. Throughout the event, the crowd was thoroughly amused to say the least.
In the end, the auction was a rousing success.
The silent auction featured 90-plus items, bringing in proceeds over $21,000.
In addition, local jeweler and long time supporter, Diamonds Direct, located at the Sundial St. Pete shopping plaza in downtown St. Petersburg, donated a diamond anchor necklace valued at $1,450 and was used for a chance drawing. The lucky winner was parent Samantha Lewis.
Mr. Lescarbeau was a major reason for the auction bringing in bids that far surpassed last year’s auction. Auctioning off eight items that included items like a Norwegian Cruise to a private dinner experience with alumnus and moon walking astronaut Charlie Duke to a dinner prepared by Captain Fine and Chef Paul, Mr. Lescarbeau helped the Parents’ Group raise $45,400 for the school.
A huge thank you goes out to the executive board of Parents’ Group: President Malia Bakken, Vice President Cathy Larrinaga, Secretary Vickie Cuesta and Treasurer July Bonilla.
In addition, thank you to the MANY volunteers who worked tirelessly for the past several months to put this fundraiser together. The event has been held for decades, however, the theme and venue change each year.
We would also like to extend our appreciation for our generous sponsors:
- The Klingel Family
- Robert and Claudia Sokolowski & Family
- Wallace, Welch and Willingham
- Hajek and Hajek CPA’s
- Douglas and Kimberly Backman
- John Cuesta III, PA
- Mike and Sara Vaughn
In addition we wish to thank the staff and Chef Paul of The Club at Treasure Island for the delicious meal and the donation of a dinner prepared with Capt. Fine to our live auction.
This year’s revenues set a record of over $109,000! After expenses the Parents’ Group will net approximately $93,000 to be spent on school improvements and purchases.
