A Night (at Home) For the Red and White

Pandemic prompts Shaker Schools Foundation to adapt its annual fundraising event

Jenna Loveman, Spotlight Reporter|February 28, 2021

The 29th annual Shaker Schools Foundation fundraiser, A Night for the Red and White, will be held virtually March 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Each year, the formal event features dining and entertainment and raises funds to support particular district programs or needs. This year’s focus is supporting the district’s commitment to equity.

“This year’s event focus is raising funds and awareness for the Shaker Schools Foundation Educational Equity Fund,” said Executive Director of the Shaker Schools Foundation Holly Coughlin.

The Educational Equity Fund contributes to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion resources; detracking resources; encouraging young women in STEM; and MAC Scholars and MAC Sister Scholars.

“Over the years the event has raised over $3 million to support Shaker students, teachers and schools,” Coughlin said.

“There are many ways that people and organizations can donate to support the mission and event,” Coughlin said. The event raises money through corporate partnerships, donations, a raffle and a silent auction.

The annual event will also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the MAC Scholars program, and the foundation will honor the group’s founders, Mary Lynn McGovern and Hubert Mclntrye, Coughlin said.

“The Red and White is a fundraiser as well as an opportunity for our Shaker community to get together,” she said. “Those two goals are still the same during this unique virtual event.”

Although the fundraiser is virtual this year, Coughlin said the event will still include student-led entertainment. “We are happy to be able to feature Shaker students, music, theater, Sankofa and art,” she said.

Senior Sara Dina, who will be a student emcee for the fundraiser, said that this year’s fundraiser will be different, like many things over the past year. “This year I definitely think everyone will be missing the camaraderie that is normally able to happen, as we are missing it in all aspects of life. Usually this fundraiser is a chance for many parents and staff to get dressed up and all come together to enjoy food and be together, but this year it will have to be support from home,” she said.

Student-led entertainment this year includes excerpts from Sankofa, excerpts from “She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms and Spooked,” the fall theatre production; performances by the high school and middle school orchestras, marching band, high school wind and vocal ensembles; and a student art display.

Dina said that she is happy that the event features students. “I know a lot of kids who don’t even know what the event is,” said Dina, “and I was privileged to attend for the past three years as a member of Jazz Ensemble, but it’s so fun to have more people coming together to support our school and make this a special night.”

Coughlin said that holding the event virtually enables more attendees. “We have the opportunity to invite Shaker Schools alumni and friends from all over the country and world,” she said.

Tickets to the livestream are free and can be found at the Shaker Schools Foundation website. Registration is required in order to access the streaming link.