Lothian Elementary school held their annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Friday night, February 10, 2012. This was a PTA sponsored event that featured many outside donations up for auction, including but not limited to a three month membership donated by Edgewater Fitness, a one night stay in a heavenly bed at Westin Annapolis, handmade table runners by Quilted Treasures, and an autographed picture of Mike Shanahan, coach of the Washington Redskins. This year, there were grade baskets instead of classroom baskets, but most grade levels had more than one basket available. There was a Pre-K and EDI basket full of arts and crafts, three gardening baskets from the 1st grade, a coffee and chocolate basket put together by the 2nd grade, two baking baskets by the 3rd grade, a gift card cherry tree from the 4th grade, and two beach themed baskets put together by the 5th grade. The baskets starting auction price ranged from $5.00 to $100.00. In addition to all of these baskets and donations, teachers gave back as well. The teacher donations are often the most popular, according to PTA President Lauri Adey, and included a trip to Barnes and Noble with Mrs. Dean (Pre-K) and two friends, extra recess by various teachers, a popcorn & movie trip to Annapolis, an opportunity to be a math teacher for a day, as well as an opportunity to be the media specialist for a day. There was a raffle as well for a Kindle Fire and a chance to be the Principal for a day with Mrs. Brown.
In past years, the auction funds went to technology, and last year the PTA raised $6,000. This year, the funds raised are going to go into the general fund, which will fund cultural arts, media upgrades, and field trips. Lauri Adey, the PTA President said she hoped to raise the same amount as last year or more, and that the “families are so generous at Lothian.” The PTA purchased the noodles, salads, rolls, cookies, and drinks, and Squisitos of Riva donated the spaghetti sauce. Cost for this event was $4.00 per person eating, and all children under 2 were free. The dinner started at 5:00 pm, with the auction starting at 5:30. Bidding closed at 7:00 pm for class level baskets, 7:15 for the teacher donations, and 7:30 for the outside donations. Coloring pages and arts and crafts were available for the kids. This event is held once every year for friends and family of Lothian Elementary School Students, and the PTA plans for 200-250 people each year.
