WIIKWEMKOONG – The Wikwemikong High School robotics team is heading to the World Championships in Detroit this spring, having qualified by finishing in the top three Chairman’s Awards last year, but success comes at a cost and the fundraising goal to get the team to Detroit, Michigan is set at $50,000.
“We have several fundraising events coming up,” said Wikwemikong High School teacher and fundraising coordinator Melissa Cooper. “First of all we are having a paint night, those have been very popular.”
John and Stephanie Thomson of Who’s Crafty have stepped up to hold one of their popular painting evenings.
“We thought it would be a great thing to do to help the kids, art helping STEM sort of thing,” said master artist Ms. Thomson. “Lots of people like to support the robotics team and they are going to need a bit more help this year as they are going to the World Championships. It’s quite an accomplishment. So this was an opportunity to team up with the Wikwemikong High School and support this trip for the kids.”
The Who’s Crafty paint night will take place at 7 pm on Tuesday, February 11 at the Wikwemikong High School and costs $40, with all materials supplied. “For every ticket sold $15 goes to the robotics team,” said Ms. Thomson.
The paint night will follow a Mt. Ross theme and participants will bring home a painting dedicated to famed Public Television painting instructor the late Bob Ross.
“Come on out and join us for a fun evening where we will share a few laughs and paint to raise money for a great cause,” said Ms. Thomson.
Tickets can be purchased by contacting info@whoscrafty.com, or by speaking to Ms. Cooper at the high school or contacting Ms. Thomson at 705-929-3581.
Other fundraising events in the works include a big prize money bingo at the high school later this month and a quill box raffle. The fundraising team is also exploring a paddle-painting workshop to take place later this year.
“The quill boxes are all created by local artisans and are quite beautiful and intricate,” said Ms. Cooper. “People should check the Wikwemikong Board of Education website (wbe-education.ca) or the Wikwemikong Robotics Team Facebook page or Twitter for details on when the other events are taking place,” advised Ms. Cooper.
Those seeking to just send in a donation by electronic money transfer should just contact Wikwemikong High School at (705) 859-2870.
