The St. James Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner and silent auction benefit to assist those in need affected by the Aug. 5 school bus accident.
The dinner is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at St. James Middle School.
PTO Board Representative Bob Diestelkamp explained the purpose of the event.
“The PTO decided right away as soon as word came out about the accident that we wanted to help and a meal benefit was one of the first things that came to mind,” Diestelkamp said.
Diestelkamp said offers of assistance to help with the benefit have come pouring in from throughout the area.
“Money raised will go to help all those affected by the accident. The PTO has set up a separate account for monetary donations and money raised from the benefit. The money will assist families affected in whatever ways needed. No money will go to the PTO general fund,” Diestelkamp said.
The menu for the evening includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, bread, dessert and drinks. Sauce will also be available without meat. The cost is $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
A silent auction will be held throughout the evening divided into three sessions. Winners of the silent auction will be announced throughout the evening. Winners do not have to be present to win.
The silent auction will include items such as gift baskets, gift certificates and other services, all of which have been donated by individuals, area businesses and churches.
A raffle will be organized for big-tickets items, including a 55-inch flat screen television, a dining room set, a new riding Cadet mower, a diamond bracelet, Fox Theatre tickets and more. Tickets cost $5. Prizes will be drawn every hour.
There will also be a 50/50 drawing. Tickets will be sold for $1 each or six for $5. There will be drawings every 30 minutes.
A separate fund-raiser for the PTO will occur outside of the building that evening. The Ozarks Coca-Cola Bottling Company will be selling 20 ounce bottles of Coke products. One case of 24 will sell for $18. For every case sold the PTO will receive a $10 donation from the company.
Diestelkamp noted the PTO is expecting approximately 1,000 to 1,500 people. Volunteers are needed Friday and Saturday to help with the event.
On Friday volunteers are needed to set up tables and chairs and arrange auction items. On Saturday volunteers are needed to prepare the meal, serve and bus tables, clear tables, clean up and take down tables and chairs.
