EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS
2011/2012 calendar
Our Board of Directors and volunteers work diligently during Bequia’s “season” to present successful and fun fundraising events for the benefit of the school. Over 50% of our operating budget is funded by these events, so they are critical to the ongoing operation of The Sunshine School.

Following is a list and brief description of each event and other donations. Please see our annual calendar link above and look for the event announcements in “This Week on Bequia” http://www.bequiatourism.com/thisweek.pdf

The Annual Sailors & Landlubbers Auction – Sunday 19th February 2012
It all begun in 1990 when Norwegian sailors Mariann Palmborg and Peter “Fixman” decided to "give back" to their favorite island, and held a “Marine Gear Auction” aboard their double-ended ketch Fredag. Cruisers brought items they wanted to sell and put a price on them. Any amount over this price went to the Sunshine School. Mariann says, "It struck me how many people just gave things and did not want to receive any money at all. Here was a chance to really make money for the school!"

In recent years, more and more items have been donated that have nothing to do with the sea and all proceeds go directly to the school’s operating fund. Recently, in between the anchors, winches and deck prisms, appear paintings by well-known local artists, wall hangings, lawn furniture, jewelry, day sailing trips, wine and more, and landlubbers are key participants.

Donated snacks and beverages are sold and all proceeds from these sales go directly to the school, as well.

Come and join the fun, but keep the good cause in mind and bid as high as your wallet allows! In 2011, the event raised just over $20,000 EC - let's work together to make it bigger every year! Even if you are not going to be on Bequia in February, look around your boat or home at all that stuff which is just too good to toss, and pass it on. Drop off donated items at the Sunshine School between 9:00AM and 3:00PM weekdays throughout the year except during school holidays.

Tri-annual “BOOK SALES under the almond tree”! – November, January & March
The Sunshine School book sales have become sought after events! Gently used books are collected throughout the year and tables full of them are sold at very reasonable prices at the sales. Drop off your “gently used” books at the Sunshine School between 9:00AM and 3:00PM weekdays throughout the year except during school holidays; then restock your shelves at the next sale! Much thanks to Liz & Greg Thomas for their spearheading of this event!

JUMBLE  SALE – March 2012 (date tbd)
Who doesn’t love to find that special treasure amongst a pile of “stuff”? Just before the Auction, all of the year’s donations are sorted through for the auction lots with the remaining items, if not usable for the school itself, gathered for the “Jumble Sale”. Clothes, shoes, electronics, house wares, you name it…we just may have it for sale! Next time you are clearing out a closet or storage bin, be sure to do a little clean up then send those items on over to the Sunshine School! Your discarded item is likely someone else’s treasure!

COIN CANS –  Look for our “Sunshine School” cans at cashiers’ counters throughout the harbour. Every penny counts! Drop your spare change – it makes a difference! Find them at: Gingerbread Café, Knight’s, Doris Fresh Foods, NCB & RBTT banks, GYE, Wallace, Bequia Venture and other locations. Thank you to all who contribute!

Other means of fund raising:

Students’ projects from sewing to wood shop items and other crafts are on sale at most of the posted events, as well as at school.

PTA bake sales at many of the posted events raise funds that are then dedicated to school repair and/or special projects.

Thank you for the Special Funds Donated by individuals:

• The Birthday Fund – this is to celebrate each child’s birthday! An individual donor has established a trust account just for this purpose, which in time, will be self-generating.
• White Dog Flying Fund – this was recently established by a donor wishing to remain anonymous. It is a dedicated fund to pay for air fare to surrounding islands for students requiring specific critical medical attention not available in St Vincent and which their family cannot accommodate.

All of these events, donations and fund raising activities are what keep us going – how can YOU help?!