Auction to benefit magnet school

Entertainment at tonight’s fundraising auction for Sorensen Elementary School spans different generations of the Coeur d’Alene education community.

Students at the downtown area school, which begins its first year as a magnet school for the arts and humanities this fall, will kick off the evening with music and art. Consider them an opening act for The Renovators – a rock band of schoolteachers and administrators that will play later in the night.

The event is the school’s largest fundraiser since the school board approved the magnet school plan in February.

The board considered closing Sorensen to save money but agreed to the magnet school proposal on the condition that enrollment increase by 50 students by the end of the second year and that supporters raise $100,000 by the end of the summer to help with funding.

Enrollment smashed expectations, with 150 new students applying. That lessened the need for fundraising but didn’t erase it, Sorensen Principal David Miller said.

The district hopes to raise at least $80,000 tonight and make the auction an annual fundraiser for Sorensen.

The auction is at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Performances by Sorensen students begin at 5 p.m., and a dinner and auction follow, with live music and dancing until midnight. Local keyboardist Barry Aiken will perform.

Tickets are $50. Last-minute buyers should call Sorensen teacher David Groth at (208) 660-8330.