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EXCEL planning Hawaiian-themed school fund-raiser

Kneeling at center, Senior Vice President Wayne Schneider and Ted Hanson, (seated on floor) of Wells Fargo Bank pose for a picture after giving EXCEL Foundation representatives the first big donation, $5,000, for the September gala event called the Hula Happening. Gathered for the photo are, from left, Heather Bowlby, Nancy White, Kathy Green, Kimberly Miller, Kathy Meeker, Marilyn Griffitts, Betty Cheeley, Heidi Rogers, Sandie Rolphe, Liese Thompson, Claudia Brennan, Denise Leonard and Shelley Fitzgerald. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)
Taryn Brodwater Staff writer
Kneeling at center, Senior Vice President Wayne Schneider and Ted Hanson, (seated on floor) of Wells Fargo Bank pose for a picture after giving EXCEL Foundation representatives the first big donation, $5,000, for the September gala event called the Hula Happening. Gathered for the photo are, from left, Heather Bowlby, Nancy White, Kathy Green, Kimberly Miller, Kathy Meeker, Marilyn Griffitts, Betty Cheeley, Heidi Rogers, Sandie Rolphe, Liese Thompson, Claudia Brennan, Denise Leonard and Shelley Fitzgerald. (Jesse Tinsley / The Spokesman-Review)

The EXCEL Foundation has boot-scooted the night away and auctioned off life-sized moose to raise money for local schools. Now, the nonprofit foundation that supports creative projects in Coeur d’Alene classrooms is bringing a taste of the Hawaiian Islands to North Idaho.

“Hula Happening” is the title of the foundation’s big fund-raiser this year. Tickets are on sale now for the Sept. 24 luau at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds for $35 each.

With the help of the Whitworth College Hawaiian Club, EXCEL is putting together an authentic luau complete with hula dancing, flame-throwing and island fare, said EXCEL’s Shelly Fitzgerald.

EXCEL’s annual fund-raiser, dubbed “The Big Event,” has a different theme each year, but Fitzgerald said every one is “like a party.”

“It’s a come and mix and mingle,” she said. Several of the grant projects awarded in the previous year will be displayed during the event.

After the Hawaiian dinner, catered by Cricket’s, local band the Rhythm Dawgs will provide music for a night of dancing. No-host drinks will be available.

Wells Fargo recently stepped forward as the first major sponsor for the fund-raiser, donating $5,000.

In addition to the “Hula Happening,” EXCEL is raffling off a trip to Hawaii for $1 a ticket. EXCEL will have a booth set up during the Fourth of July celebration in downtown Coeur d’Alene and at Art on the Green.

Tickets are available by calling (208) 292-2683. For more information on EXCEL, visit www.excelfoundation.org.

Rotary Student of Month

The Post Falls Rotary selected Marie Westerberg of Post Falls High as student of the month for May.

Marie, daughter of Richard and Eileen Westerberg, had a 4.072 grade-point average and participated in Key Club and the National Honor Society. She has been honored with a Presidential Award for Academic Excellence and was named to National Honor Roll. She has received letter awards for academics, Key Club, National Honor Society and Advanced Placement and Honors classes.

She plans to attend North Idaho College and get her associate’s degree in general studies. Afterward, Marie hopes to attend University of Washington and study library science.

Sale to benefit school, Scouts

A consignment sale on July 30 will benefit Cub Scout Pack 225 and Garwood Elementary School.

“The Exchange – Tots to Teens” will feature clothing for infants, maternity clothes and children’s items. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Garwood Elementary, 17506 N. Ramsey Road.