STEPHEN F. AUSTIN SOCIETY RAISES RECORD AMOUNT
The 7th annual Stephen F. Austin Society fundraiser took place on Sunday, August 31st at the home of Chris Mattsson and John McHale. Against a beautiful backdrop, nearly 150 Austin High supporters heard from Steve Saunders, who announced that more than $30,000 was raised during the event. That brings the total dollars raised by the SFA Society to nearly $200,000 since the group was formed to provide financial support for extracurricular activities at Austin High. The $30,000 raised in 2008 will be used to fund grant requests which are expected to come from a variety of groups. In the past, the SFA Society has funded projects for the Red Jackets, Drama Club, Band, Orchestra, Debate team, Track team, Tennis team, Ballet Folklorico, Volleyball team, Choir, Baseball team, Wrestling team and dozens of other sports and academic groups. Funds have been also used in recent years for irrigation of playing fields at the school and to pay a stipend to the women’s athletic director’s position.
New Austin High principal Lucio Calzada addressed the crowd and thanked them for their participation and generosity. Congratulations to committee members Debbie Hanna, Laurie Hall, Julie Crenshaw, Martha Moore, Steve Saunders, MariBen Ramsey and Kelly Cunningham for a great event.