Category: events

“Outside The Box” Is A Smash Success For Laguna Schools

SchoolPower, Laguna Beach’s Education Foundation, hosted its 34th Annual Dinner Dance Outside the Box on February 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Chaired by Gorjana Reidel and Gina Alshuler, the event grossed over $330,000 for Laguna Beach schools. SchoolPower President Mike Houlahan welcomed over 300 guests, and announced that SchoolPower recently achieved the $500,000 fundraising goal of the Wave of Giving campaign that began in the Fall. Both attendees and supporters from home bid furiously on silent auction items, including a week-long stay in Deer Valley, a tour experience with the Dave Matthews Band, VIP passes to the Magic [...]

Fund-a-Need: Building Your Future Self

One hundred percent of the $175,850 raised at Dinner Dance 2019 will go toward this initiative, which includes curriculum and online resources related to strengths finding and career exploration, new high school classes focused on advanced research and business entrepreneurship, and a mentor program that involves strengths coaching and industry visits to connect students with professionals in the Laguna Beach community and beyond.

Incredible Impact: Holly & Dave Wilson’s $1,000,000 to SchoolPower

During this year’s Dinner Dance, SchoolPower recognized the Wilson family for their unprecedented support over the past 38 years. Dave Wilson spoke about the importance of supporting all students in public schools and announced an additional gift to bring the Wilson’s lifetime support for SchoolPower to $1MM! The funds the Wilsons have infused into our schools will have an impact on students for years to come.

Building Your Future Self Fund-a-Need

Connecting students to their strengths, nurturing their interests and igniting their passions. One hundred percent of the $175,850 raised at Dinner Dance 2019 will go toward this initiative, which includes curriculum and online resources related to strengths finding and career exploration, new high school classes focused on advanced research and business entrepreneurship, and a mentor program that involves strengths coaching and industry visits to connect students with professionals in the Laguna Beach community and beyond. “We can't thank SchoolPower enough for providing Laguna Beach schools with the financial resources needed to provide our kids with an exceptional learning experience.” [...]

Dodgeball IX

Dodgeball IX proved to be wildly popular, fiercely competitive and FUN! Over 420 costumed players on 55 teams battled for glory Wednesday in the LBHS gyms. Each champion won $500 in prize money to designate to a teacher or school program of their choice. The event raised over $13,000 for SchoolPower! Special shout-out to event photographer Kristin Karkoska of Blue Sky's Studio who donated her time and captured some amazing shots of all the teams. [...]

Lumberyard Chef Challenge IX

The evening, generously sponsored by Cary and Suzanne Redfearn of Lumberyard, included a three-course dinner prepared by Lumberyard chefs and a friendly competition with attendees choosing between the menu selections of the principals of the four Laguna schools.

A Dreamy Night for Laguna Beach Schools

SchoolPower held its 33rd Annual Dinner Dance Catching Dreams on February 10 at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The magical event grossed over $320,000 for Laguna Beach schools. $185,000 of this money will go directly toward the annual Fund-A-Need. Remaining funds will assist SchoolPower’s year-round efforts supporting academics, music and the arts. SchoolPower President Kristin Winter welcomed the spirited crowd, setting the stage for the real purpose of the night’s festivities by saying, "Your presence here tonight is everything...it shows that you understand that community support is the way we set Laguna Beach public schools apart." The crowd warmly applauded [...]

Navigating the Information Age Fund-a-Need

Having strong digital literacy skills is not an option - it's a must. In today's information age, whether in academics or the job market, students need to possess a broad range of abilities - from conducting deep research, to evaluating a source, to creating and communicating content responsibly. To support LBUSD in addressing this need, the 2018 Fund-a-Need Navigating the Information Age will invest in a district-wide Digital Library Specialist, as well as part-time teacher coaches. Using a proven model, this team will lead a K-12 effort to improve students’ digital literacy skills. The 2018 Fund-a-Need was held at [...]

Dodgeball VIII

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, 2017. 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 [...]