What started as an idea in a social media post roughly four years ago has morphed into a biennial fundraiser to support Toledo students.
“I just feel that if you give kids a hand up, it really raises their sense that they belong,” organizer Paula Burrows said last week.
Saturday night, the Toledo Foundation will host its third Downhome Shindig to raise money for Toledo students. The event includes a live auction, a silent auction, a dessert auction and catering by Bonanza BBQ.
Prizes for the auction include a new grill, Seahawks tickets and a beach getaway.
“There’s a lot of different auction items to bid on,” Burrows said.
Organizer and Toledo Foundation President Cyndi Philbrook said the money funds food and supply pantries in the four schools in the Toledo School District. Needs can range from shoes and socks to gift cards around the holidays to ensure students receive Christmas presents.
The foundation provides each school with a $2,000 gift card at the beginning of the school year to pay for whatever supplies a student needs. The foundation also recently funded $1,000 scholarships to four students in the district.
“Any kind of need is what we raise money for,” Philbrook said.
Over the years, the Shindig has raised more and more money for students, going from roughly $35,000 in 2019 to $52,000 in 2021.
“We’re just going to be grateful for what we do raise,” Burrows said.
The Shindig starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Country N Lace, located at 757 Spencer Road in Toledo. Tickets cost $280 for a table of eight or $35 for individual tickets.
“We have small-town support, which is awesome,” Country N Lace co-owner Michelle Askin said. “We’re excited to be part of all of that.
Philbrook said the organization expects roughly 200 attendees. To purchase tickets beforehand, go to the group’s Facebook Page at Toledo Community Foundation Toledo, WA.
“We’d like to thank all of the community and sponsors who help donate to the event,” Burrows said. “It’s really heartwarming to see the generosity of our community.”
