Several years ago, a handful of parents, several educators and a member of the Cypress School District Board, decided to get together to help upgrade the technology component of learning at Juliet Morris Elementary School in Cypress.
So far, so good. Last year, the Friends of Morris, were able to generate enough money from their fundraising efforts to purchase 32 Google Chromebook computers. More precisely, Friends of Morris raised nearly $10,000 to add one computer per classroom at the school. With 750 students sitting in 25 classes, the Friends of Morris organization made a huge splash with their generosity to the school.
They are hoping to more than duplicate that success this November when the Friends of Morris team come together for its third annual fundraising gala. The gala is scheduled to take place Nov. 14 at the Cypress Marriott. Cost of the event is $50 per ticket and has to be pre-ordered at the school.
“We pretty much do it all,” said Valerie Stone, president of Friends of Morris.
Stone said the nonprofit was able to attain that goal by moving off-site where it could generate more avenue of funds to come in. Stone said the group came to that conclusion after raising just over $1, 200 for its first fundraising event.
“Our first year, we didn’t have a whole lot of money to spend,” Stone said.
The goal of the fundraising is to help advance the technological side of the school. Asked why not go through the local PTA, Stone said that the PTA is somewhat limited in its functionality and ability to raise money, which is why Friends of Morris was created.
“They have a great PTA, but they can’t do off-site events,” Stone said. “They can’t go to corporations. It’s a different awareness. They have more rules to follow. Stone and the rest of the Friends of Morris crew hope to draw more people out this time around, stating that their goal is draw more parents and individuals to the gala, hook up with some local corporations and double what they made last year. Stone added that all money raised go directly back into the fold for which the funds are raised for in the first place.
“There is no salary,” she said.
The parents, teachers and Cypress School District Board member Steve Blount, all volunteer their time to make this happen. Besides Stone and Blount, Friends of Morris, consists of members Lauren Kennedy, Don Gagnier, Jillian Bowman, Peri Sorenson, Isis Ortiz, Bernadette Swails, and Cindy Schoemann. Friends of Morris will hold a second event in April to benefit the school.
