“A Toast to Education,” the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Orono Alliance for Education, held on Saturday, April 9, was a smashing success. Tickets to the event at the Metropolitan Ballroom sold out early, with over 450 people attending. The event raised more than $225,000 in total to support the Orono Schools. The event included entertainment by "Take Five", the accomplished Orono High School jazz group, an elegant hors d’oeuvres cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, music, and dancing. This year for the first time guests were also able to buy from the Mystery Wine Wall, visit the popular Man Cave and sign up for future
Great Gatherings.
The event featured a very powerful video entitled
"Two Dreams." It was an emotional visual presentation celebrating the dreams of our children and the difference that the Alliance has made in their lives. Emotions were high as the auctioneer concluded the formal program with a specific
Fund A Need request. This first ever, designated giving opportunity, raised money for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) enhancements that will impact all Orono students. We want to offer a special thanks to John and Sue Morrison, Jeanne Morrison Cook and Julie Morrison Arne and their families, who stepped forward with a significant initial matching gift and major donation that got the crowd energized. More than $90,000 was raised, specifically for the STEM initiatives, within minutes by this enthusiastic crowd.
As the crowd raised their champagne glasses for a "Toast to Education", it was clear that the Alliance has significantly impacted each and every student at Orono...and will continue to do so for many years!
A Toast of Gratitude to you for your Generosity! Thank you!!
Once again we want to thank our sponsors, donors, host/hostesses and volunteers. Their contributions and support made this event an amazing success!
