The return of the new and improved Mane Event by the 91原创 School District Foundation was a huge success, completely selling out of tickets and sponsorships.

Guests, all 175, were not deterred by the rainy weather, as they gathered under the new seating area at Thunderbird Show Park (tbird) on Sunday, May 26.

The event featured a day of world-class show jumping, wine tastings from award-winning wineries, tapas and canapes, champagne, and a silent auction with the goal to raise at least $50,000.

That amount will assist 20 students per year who need autism assessments, said executive director Alicia Rempel.

鈥淲e found that the wait list for free assessments for children was three to four years, and they just can鈥檛 wait,鈥� she noted.

鈥淲e realized that if we were to invest and cover this $3,000 private assessment, we could unlock so much more funding potential for both the student and school district.鈥�

Before COVID, the district foundation fundraiser was in its 15th year and formerly called the Grand Prix Gala. But the Mane Event is a refreshed and updated version, while keeping the same aspects of the original, Rempel explained.

鈥淚t pulls on our heartstrings because we want to make sure kids have all they need to be successful in their education,鈥� she added.

鈥淲hen you consider every dollar we raise has the potential to generate 14-times the impact for the students we are supporting鈥� the importance of this fundraiser is clear. We know that there is tremendous need and this is our way of trying to help meet [that].鈥�

Rempel also shared her thanks to community members who attended the event to support 91原创 students.

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