Dexter Education Foundation's Auction Fundraiser Set for March 10

Hoping to capitalize on the success of last year's event, organizers for the Dexter Education Foundation (EFD) are promising a night of fun thrills during their annual live auction and dinner on March 10.

The fundraiser will take place at the Ann Arbor Country Club, 4699 E. Loch Alpine Dr.

After the success of the 2011 auction, we are happy to return to AACC for this year’s event,” said Jennifer Wagner, co-chair of the auction. “It was very important for us to hold our event within the Dexter school district in order to show our support and appreciation for the Dexter Community.”

The evening will feature a strolling supper, cocktails, desserts, live music and both a silent and live auction.

In the past, the event has attracted as many as 225 attendees and has garnered $50,000, which the foundation has used toward teacher grants that are distributed in a fall and spring cycle.

"Teachers come up with innovative or creative programs in the classroom, and they can apply for a grant through the foundation," Jennifer Wagner, event co-chairwoman said. "Grants have gone toward $50 software purchases to more expensive requests, like funding a LEGO robotics program at .

"It's nice to be able to provide students experiences that they might not otherwise be exposed to."

The fundraiser's live auction will include a family vacation package from AAA Insurance. The package includes a combination trip to Universal Orlando Resorts and a Royal Caribbean cruise trip for four during the week of June 22-29. Other items include a swim and golf membership to the Ann Arbor Country Club, a golf membership to Reddeman Farms, four tickets to the Detroit Red Wings versus Chicago Blackhawks Game on April 7, and a Goldendoodle puppy.

"Our goal is to raise as much money as we can," Wagner said. "So far this year we've awarded more than $42,000 in grants and we will be entering another grant cycle in the spring."

A new feature this year includes a jewelry raffle in which attendees enter by purchasing one of 20 glasses of champagne available at the event. Each glass will hold one pair of faux diamond earrings and one lucky purchaser will win a pair of real diamond earrings courtesy of Lewis Jewelers of Ann Arbor.

In addition, raffle tickets are available for $20 ticket/three for $50 for prizes including a Toshiba 55-inch television, a maize and blue lap quilt and $100 cash. Raffle tickets may be purchased from EFD trustees, the Ann Arbor Country Club or . The raffle drawing will be held during the auction and winners do not need to be present to win.

Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased online using PayPal at www.efdexter.org. Click on the EFD 2012 Auction page for more information. Tickets are $85 at the door.