GCA dinner for a cause

The Grace Christian Academy held its first fundraising dinner at Aqua Resort Club on the evening of April 21, with the funds going toward several school projects that would benefit the school’s students.

The dinner was spearheaded by the GCA Fundraising Committee, whose members gave up of their time in making the evening the success it was. The committee, headed by Ed Salas and Viola Sablan, worked for weeks to design and distribute tickets, organize presentations, secure donors, and coordinate efforts with teachers and parents.

Entertainment for nearly 300 guests was provided primarily by GCA students, parents, faculty, and staff, which ranged from cultural dances to singing, “human” puppets, and a stomp-style presentation.

Salas and GCA teacher Rebecca Covarrubias were the master and mistress of ceremony.

Door and raffle prizes, donated by individuals and numerous local businesses, were also given away.

Salas reiterated that the fundraising was for the benefit of GCA’s student body. Covarrubias emphasized GCA’s mission of reaching the community as the school partners with the home in producing vibrant, confident, and loving students who excel in their academic pursuits.

GCA board chair Rev. Raymond Kinsella was pleased and appreciative of the turnout of the event. He thanked and commended the committee as well as the parents, students, faculty, and staff of GCA for the success of the fundraising.

Faith Dela Rosa, GCA’s principal, appreciated the support of the community members and the businesses as well.

The money raised from the fundraising event will be used to build a covered walkway between the elementary and high school buildings, purchase a bus, improve the school’s basketball court, and expand the school’s library..

The academy opted not to raise its tuition fee for the upcoming school year in consideration of the present economic situation. Fundraising endeavors are used to supplement the cost for the improvement of the school’s facilities and programs. The fundraising committee has already moved on to its next fundraising event to be held in conjunction with the celebration of the school’s 20th anniversary for the school year 2006 GCA extends its heartfelt thanks to all the donors, sponsors, and supporters who gave generously to make our fundraising event memorable: Rep. Edwin Aldan, Aqua Resort Club, Coffee Care, Country House/Moby Dick Restaurant, Dollar Days Wholesale, Duty Free Shoppers, Fiesta Resort & Spa, First Hawaiian Bank, Gold’s Gym, JET (Juan Tenorio-Santiago) Realty/Development, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Marianas, Eye Institute, McDonalds, Marianas Cable Vision, Megabyte, Mercy’s Beauty Salon, Micronesian Brokerage Inc., National Office Supply, Nila’s Beauty Salon, Pacific Auto Detailing, PC Outlet, Hon. Pete A. Tenorio, Philpan, Ray’s Family Art Portraits, Saipan Grand Hotel, Ed and Nona Salas, Serenity Salon and Spa, SDA Dental Clinic, Shell Marianas, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, Ivan Swartz, SM Mart, Tan Holdings Foundation, Dean and Alleny Tenorio, Hon. Pete A. Tenorio, Triple J. Wholesale, and U2 Collection. (PR)