Parents as Teachers Fundraiser a Success

The Schulenburg/Weimar Parents as Teachers (PAT) held a successful fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Swiss Alp Hall & Chalet.

This year, PAT’s annual fundraiser theme was “Hats Off to PAT” as they thanked the community for supporting its mission for 21 years. Mikeskas Barbecue provided a prime rib and chicken dinner and Michael Mach played music for the event. 168 people were in attendance. There was a live auction of five items and games. There was also an online auction that ran from February 1-5.

Thanks to generous donors and bidders, PAT raised a total of $62,545. The funds raised will be used by PAT to continue supporting parents through the early years of their child’s life. Home visits, screenings, group connections and programs such as the Schulenburg and Weimar Learn and Playrooms are possible because of this annual fundraiser.

PAT would like to thank core fundraising committee members Lucy Stanzel, Ginger Bosl, Amy Elstner, Pam Schoeneberg, Tanya & Joe Schindler, Cheryl Pekar, Karen Hoskins, Phyllis Venghaus, Melinda Barneycastle, Melanie Ramirez, Nettie Cernosek and Zulma Hay as well as the numerous volunteers for their hard work in making this fundraiser possible.

PAT’s mission is to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life. Children’s development from the earliest years lays the foundation for what follows. In the U.S., six out of ten kids show up to kindergarten unprepared to learn. As their child’s first and most important teacher, parents play a crucial role in supporting school readiness. Communities need a proven intervention that better supports parents in promoting their child’s health, early development and learning. PAT is that intervention.

If you would like to learn more about PAT visit www.swpat. org, their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/parentsasteachersSW.