The 82 attendees of the ninth annual Black Tie Event, which supports the Fenton Area Public Schools Education Foundation (FAPSEF), were once again generous with their financial assistance and supportive of those being recognized for their contribution to Fenton Area Public Schools.
The event was held at The Laundry on Sept. 12.
Over the years, this event, after expenses, has contributed more than $260,000 to FAPSEF, which was established by a grant from The State Bank. According to Joe Kryza, chair of the FAPSEF board of directors, the Black Tie Event would not be possible without the generosity of The Laundry.
The evening’s highlights included Pat Lockwood, FAPSEF co-chair, making a special presentation of The State Bank Community Service Award, which was awarded to Fenton Police Chief Rick Aro and Fenton Fire Chief Robert Cairnduff. Lockwood was joined by former Fenton City manager, Mike Senyko, who hired both chiefs.
Linda Mora, Early Childhood director for Fenton Area Public Schools awarded the Petruska Lifetime Achievement in Education Award to Trudy Iverson.
Following the specially made dinner, a live auction was held and more than $16,000 was raised in just 10 minutes. Spirited bidding to be able to create and name a sandwich at The Laundry for a year was won by Gail and John Strayer, who had the winning bid of $3,800.
Jocelyn and Phil Haggerman had the winning bid for a private pie baking experience with Mark Hamel, owner of The Laundry. Their prize includes wine and cheese for eight. Other auction prizes included golf at Oakland Hills, donated by the Petruska family and won by Julie and Brent Straffon. In addition, Brent and Jennifer Williams had the winning bid for a framed and autographed “Get out of jail free card.”
A $10,000 donation was made to establish a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fund by Mark and Jamie Dunkel.
Leaving their mark on the evening were Fenton schools administrators who served as valet attendants and the Fenton Art Department, which designed the award plaques.
Next year’s Black Tie Event is set for Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.
