Waialae School goes
online to raise funds
In the latest twist on creative fund raising for public schools, Waialae School is reaching out through the Internet with an online, silent auction featuring items from sushi to swimming lessons.
"We were inspired by the success of eBay," said parent Debbie Zimmerman, silent auction co-chairwoman. "We thought putting our silent auction online would be more relevant to the people of Hawaii than eBay, and it would expand our market reach beyond our school."
The auction is designed to raise money for the school's cafeteria service, which used to be handled by the Department of Education but became the charter school's responsibility under a law passed last year. The sale offers both the indulgent, such as massages and hotel stays, and the practical, like car washes and tutoring.
Items valued at $30,000 altogether are up for grabs, Zimmerman said.
The auction will culminate at the school's Fun Fair on May 8, with bidding from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the school library. Online bidding ends at 6 p.m. May 5.
The Web site for the auction is silentauction.fws.org .
"By starting an auction on the Web, we allow families to sneak preview the auction items and get a jump start on the bidding," said Russ Sumida, who set up the Web site and is immediate past president of the Friends of Waialae School.
The elementary school lost its cafeteria service workers and some equipment when the state began providing food service money in the per-pupil allotment given to charter schools rather than staffing Waialae's kitchen.
The school is buying prepared food from a Department of Education satellite kitchen this year, but hopes to contract with a private vendor to provide on-campus service again.
"We need to refit the kitchen, add some equipment and bring some items up to code," said Annette Masutani, acting chief executive at Waialae.
Unlike most charter schools in Hawaii, which are startup operations, Waialae School had a long history as a regular public school before converting to charter status in 1995. It still serves as the public school for its district and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Zimmerman said the school is seeking a sponsor to underwrite the $7,500 cost of the Fun Fair.