Thurston’s PTA raises $8,000

Canceled last year and having raised minimal funds in 2001, the

Thurston Middle School PTA’s “Out on the Town” fund-raiser on April

30 grossed $8,000.

The dinner/dance attracted 160 parents, teachers, administration

and public officials at $50 a ticket, which included a four-course

meal at the Laguna Village Bistro. Organizers Caroline Wright and

Kathleen Moore were expecting 40 to 50 people, about twice the number

of 2001’s turnout.

“So many people contributed,” Wright said, “and not just

financially. There was a batch of teachers ripping it up on the dance

floor and making it seem more like a big party than a fund-raising

dinner. [School board member] Betsy Jenkins said it was the best

fund-raiser she’d ever been to.”

Wright singled out Board of Education clerk El Hathaway and

science teacher Patricia Twitty, wearing bright red leather pants, as

a couple of the hottest dance floor participants. Live music was

provided by The Stu Pearlman Band, playing in a variety of styles,

“including some disco,” Wright said with a laugh. Sarah Pearlman,

Stu’s wife, is Thurston’s PTA president.

“It was hilarious seeing all these people you’re used to seeing

either in suits or at soccer games letting it go and having such a

good time,” Wright said.

Ocean Brewing Company was among the evening’s contributors, along

with Anastasia, Cedar Creek, Romeo Cucina, Sun Dried Tomato, Villa

Romano and Zinc. Wright also gave special recognition to the

Stansbury family for donating plants and the Salta family for putting

$200 toward hiring the band.

All told, Wright expects the evening’s net to be about $7,000,

which will all go to Thurston Middle School.

-- Mike Swanson