The Mahomet-Seymour Schools Foundation will celebrate their mission of providing educational resources to the Mahomet-Seymour Schools during their annual Bulldog Bash fundraiser on May 12.
This year’s fundraiser will include a casual dinner buffet alongside a live entertainment by Chicago’s premier dance band, Hey Jimmy at The City Center from 6 to 11 p.m. Like previous years, this year’s Bulldog Bash will also include the silent auction of over 100 items and a live auction that will include items such as a business video, Busey Basketball Suite for 6, Cooking Class with Bob Rowe, a one-week Snowmass Mountain Getaway, Indy Racing Experience, Dinner at Riz’s, Indianapolis Colts vs San Francisco 49ers for two with $100 at St. Elmo’s and $150 Visa gift card, a Nashville Getaway and a Wrigley Field Tour plus Tickets to Game.
For years, the Bulldog Bash was held outside, under a tent on IL-150 just west of Mahomet. Foundation Board member Cheryl Mitchell said the change of venue will allow for more space for visitors, and allow for guests to think of the event as more of a “night out” where they can dress up and comfortable mingle with their friends.
The $50 ticket will provide unlimited beer and wine, a dinner from the Mahomet IGA and a shuttle home, if someone feels too impaired to drive. The shuttle will leave at 10 and 11:15 p.m. Overnight parking is available for free in lots designated by The City Center.
Silent auction items can be bid on via BidPal. The app can be downloaded prior to the event or instructions will be available at the door.
“This money goes directly to the schools,” Foundation Board Member Cheryl Mitchell said. “There is some misconception out there that ‘they just want our money.’ But over $20,000 was given in Teacher grants this year. We give thousands of dollars to scholarships this year. Every teacher who applied for a grant got it this year. Every bit of money we raise goes directly to the schools and the kids.”
The Foundation has also helped the district with much needed technology upgrades by providing the schools with $52,000 in smartboards, iPads, Chromebooks and iPads over the last two years. The Foundation also agreed to a three-year $24,000 commitment to supply the district with 200 teacher workstations.
Twenty years ago, The Foundation partnered with M-S art teachers to host Celebrate Art. During each school year, art teachers throughout the district select student art to be displayed at the annual event. The Foundation provides awards for the students each year.
The Foundation also recognizes student academic and character achievements each quarter at Lincoln Trail Elementary and every semester at MSHS. Recipients receive recognition through publication, and also a small personalized gift.
In early May, the Foundation will award seniors with scholarship money. They also partner with the Mahomet-Seymour PTO to provide academic letters to students in the spring.
The Foundation provided MSHS with $125,000 to build a greenhouse for the Ag program. They also partnered with the Mahomet IGA to install a soft playground surface at Middletown Prairie and each year they give the MSHS Mentor Program $500 to use towards snacks.
In an effort to reunite MSHS alumni, the Foundation also formed the Mahomet-Seymour School Foundation Alumni project.
Tickets for the Bulldog Bash fundraiser are now on sale at the Mahomet IGA, through any MSEF board member or they can be purchased online. The fundraiser will be located one-half mile west of Turkey Farm Road off Route 150.
The Foundation also appreciates donations from businesses and individuals to help cover the costs of the event. To donate visit the Foundation’s website.
