Author: sarahdurand

Ducking, Diving and Dodgeballing

Don’t Stop Ballievin’. The Dodgefathers. Throwbocops. These are just some of the 56 teams that battled for glory at SchoolPower’s Dodgeball VIII tournament on October 18. Over 500 costumed players, coaches, referees and scorekeepers, as well as countless cheering spectators, filled the LBHS gymnasiums at this hugely popular event. Competition was fierce in all divisions. Congratulations to the following teams that dodged their way to victory: 4th-5th Grade Division: Dodgefathers (Best Costume: Dodge “IT”) 6th-8th Grade Division: Dodge “IT” (Best Costume: The Old Dodgers) High School/Adult Division: Prescribe Wellness (Best Costume Tie: Disco Ballers and Golden Ballers Participant Logan [...]

Special Parent Receives SchoolPower’s Top Award

The award was created in honor of the late Claes Andersen, owner of Hotel Laguna and Claes Restaurant. Andersen opened his restaurant to SchoolPower back in 2001 and underwrote an annual dinner for seven consecutive years, in addition to other generous donations. The Andersen family contributions totaled over $200,000 to SchoolPower… Read More

SchoolPower Thanks Business Supporters

SchoolPower celebrated the businesses that support our schools at the Business Appreciation party on May 17, generously hosted by Skyloft. Student Directory Advertisers, Business Alliance members and Real Estate Honor Roll members enjoyed food and drinks while mingling with LBUSD leadership and SchoolPower volunteers. SchoolPower Past President Amy Kramer led the auction for coveted Directory cover spots. Mark Christy secured two spots for Hobie and The Ranch at Laguna Beach, while Jack Jakosky of Boat Canyon Shopping Center won the inside cover. Executive Director Robin Rounaghi commended the group of local business people who understand the importance of investing [...]

Community is served at SchoolPower’s Chef Challenge!

The Lumberyard hosted SchoolPower’s 8th Annual Chef Challenge Monday, March 13th. The brainchild of Cary and Suzanne Redfearn, the event is a competition with dueling guest “chefs” who choose two different 3-course menus. Net proceeds from the event, approximately $8,000 this year, benefit the schools through SchoolPower. “The level of support from the Redfearns for our schools and community has been exemplary,” enthused Taylor Pillsbury, SchoolPower president. “It’s people like them who make our town so special.” In years past the competition pitted LBUSD school principals against one another. This year, the competition was expanded to include a City [...]

Lumberyard Chef Challenge VIII

The evening, generously sponsored by Cary and Suzanne Redfearn of Lumberyard, includes a three-course dinner prepared by Chef Armando Ortega and a friendly competition with attendees choosing between the menu selections of celebrity guest chefs.This year’s exciting new twist features our Chiefs of Police and Fire vs. our Chief Educational Officers for Laguna schools. The entire community -- parents, educators, emergency personnel, city leaders -- are coming together to support our local youth and raise money for our schools.

SchoolPower Fundraiser Supports Student Well-Being

SchoolPower held its 32nd annual dinner dance at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, and raised $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools, says a statement. About half of that amount was pledged towards the 2017 fund-a-need campaign for the district’s student well-being initiative… Read More

Investing in the Well-Being of LBUSD Students

The most important mission accomplished at the 32nd Annual Dinner Dance was the 2017 Fund-a-Need Investing in the Well-Being of LBUSD Students, which inspired guests to raise over $158,000 in a matter of minutes. The initiative, presented by Superintendent Dr. Jason Viloria and approved by SchoolPower trustees in November, will create a support network for all four schools by hiring a Director of Student Support, two Student Support Specialists, and additional interns. These credentialed specialists will help students build resilience to daily stress and anxiety, as well as support students who exhibit more serious mental health issues.According to Viloria, “The [...]

It’s Mission Completed For SchoolPower’s Dinner Dance

SchoolPower held its 32nd Annual Dinner Dance Mission: NOT Impossible on February 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The black, white and red-themed event grossed approximately $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools. After running into the room and rolling onto the stage like a top secret agent, SchoolPower President Taylor Pillsbury welcomed guests with a Nelson Mandela quote: “It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” He also thanked Dinner Dance Chairs Amy Kramer, Gorjana Reidel and Carol Moss for all their work to create an incredible evening of dining, dancing, and bidding on some amazing silent and live auction items. [...]

Mission Completed for SchoolPower’s Dinner Dance 2017

SchoolPower held its 32nd Annual Dinner Dance Mission: NOT Impossible on February 11 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The black, white and red-themed event grossed just under $300,000 for Laguna Beach schools. After running into the room and rolling onto the stage like a top secret agent, SchoolPower President Taylor Pillsbury welcomed guests with a Nelson Mandela quote: "It always seems impossible, until it’s done." He also thanked Dinner Dance Chairs Amy Kramer, Gorjana Reidel and Carol Moss for all their work to create an incredible evening of dining, dancing, and bidding on some amazing silent and live auction [...]