Parents volunteer year around, but community support is needed to keep preschool funding

With one major fall holiday done, more holidays and fall traditions are just a few short days away, including the annual Eatonville Cooperative Nursery School’s dinner and auction.

Established in 1975 and housed in Eatonville’s historic, original one-room schoolhouse, the preschool operates as a co-op where parents volunteer their time to help in the classroom and around the school, parent and volunteer Courtney Vonderau said.

“Our mission is to create a learning environment that encourages physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth and to involve parents in their child's lifelong learning through active participation and guidance,” Vonderau said.

Since the school operates as a nonprofit, fundraising is “crucial.” For over 18 years and counting the school has relied on its annual auction and raffle ticket sales to raise money in order to keep tuition and costs low for local families involved in the Nursery School, and to help maintain the needs of the school, according to Vonderau.

This year’s event takes place at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. It’s being held at the Eatonville Eagle’s Club, 100 Weyerhaeuser Rd. N.

The catered dinner features a macaroni and cheese bar with salad and pulled pork. Dinner tickets can be purchased for $15 each.

Following dinner there will be silent, live and dessert auctions, all of which are free and open to the public. The auctions feature items donated by local and regional businesses. In addition, there is a raffle ticket drawing. Raffle ticket funds will be split evenly between the winner and the school. It’s estimated that this year’s winner will take home around $1,500.

The school serves students between the ages of 3 and 5. Long-time “absolutely amazing” teacher “Miss” Katie Moeller, who has taught there for the past 18 years, leads classes.

“She is truly what makes the school so great,” Vonderau said.

For further information or to purchase tickets, contact Krystal Benham at (253) 381-0444.