The Oak Park Education Foundation's 7th annual Vex Robotics competition between Julian & Brooks students on January 28 was an amazing display of middle school engineering talent. More than 80 sixth-eight graders worked with teachers, volunteer engineers, and high school mentors after school for months to design, build and program inventive robots that showed their stuff on a playing field at the Julian gym in front of a packed house of cheering fans, friends and family.

This year Julian took back the trophy from Brooks in a 319-95 win. But they're not finished -- five teams from each middle school are still preparing for a regional competition in Batavia on February 11 to compete against area teams, most of them high schoolers.

During the Robotics competition, OPEF also held our first Open House showcasing all our programs: Architecture Adventure, Art Start, Science Alliance, Geared Up, Vex Robotics and BASE Camp. The Julian Commons was full of parents and kids, ages 5-12, trying their hands at challenging, educational and fun activities. Kids operated Vex Robots, build pocket totem sculptures, designed LEGO machines and created innovative buildings of LEGOs, experimented with water, rocks and electricity with EPA scientists, and created Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired window designs.

Thanks to all who participated, supported, attended, or followed us on Twitter, including our event sponsors: Aria Group Architects, Forest Park National Bank, Hoy Landscaping, It's A Sign, and Starship Restaurant & Catering.

Make sure to check out our slideshow of photos from the Vex Competition and Open House from photographers Maria Soderburg and Paul Goyette.



 

The Oak Park Education Foundation's (OPEF's) 7th annual Vex Robotics competition between Julian & Brooks students, who have been designing, building and programming their robots since October, will take place at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 28 in the Julian gym, 416 S. Ridgeland in Oak Park.

During the Robotics competition, OPEF is also holding an Open House showcasing its art, science, architecture and engineering programs in the Julian Commons from 10-noon. It's free and features hands-on projects for kids ages 5-12.

The Vex Robotics competition involves more than 80 middle school students, who work with teachers, volunteer engineers, and high school mentors after school for months to build and program robots that will score points on a playing field in the gym on January 28. The most successful teams will advance to a regional competition and compete against other teams, most of them high schoolers.

The Open House in the Julian Commons is a great place for young Robotics fans to take a break and try their hand at some challenging, educational and fun activities. They can design and build with LEGOs, experiment with EPA scientists, build a pocket totem sculpture, create Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired window designs, and operate a Vex Robot.

The gym will be filled with cheering onlookers. OPEF will have a projection screen for great viewing, an emcee and DJ, food for sale, and hands-on projects for kids at the Open House. Thanks to our event sponsors: Aria Group Architects, Forest Park National Bank, Hoy Landscaping, It's A Sign, and Starship Restaurant & Catering.

Follow the competition on Twitter.



 

OPEF Open House
Saturday, January 28th
10 am - noon
Julian middle school Commons
416 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park
For children ages 5-12, and it's free

Get the kids out of the house and enjoy some hands-on fun! The Oak Park Education Foundation is showing off its programs and inviting you to take part.

Here's your chance to:

• Design and build with LEGOs
• Create Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired window designs
• Build a pocket totem sculpture
• Operate a Vex Robot
• Experiment with water chemistry and geomorphology with EPA scientists
• Watch the middle school Vex Robotics competition in the gym

 

Join us for the 17th annual William C. Staszak Award Dinner and Benefit, Saturday April 30, honoring Oak Park entrepreneur, developer and philanthropist Mary Jo Schuler.

It's always a good time! The evening begins at 6 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. The silent auction will close at 7:30 p.m. when we move to a lovely, seated dinner, short award presentation, and live auction with emcee Lynda Shadrake -- actress, teacher and improv comedienne. Both silent and live auctions will include many new, unique items including parties with renowned chefs, sports tickets, and exciting trips.

Tickets will sell for $125 each, with tables of 10 for $1,250. We also have sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Invitations are being mailed this week and online reservations will be available on March 21. For more information, call (708) 524-3023 or email dabrahamson@op97.org.



 

The Oak Park Education Foundation's 6th annual Vex Robotics competition was a thrilling event! The Julian gym was packed with cheering friends, fans, parents and siblings. Julian took the lead early on; then Brooks pulled from behind to win 152-116.

The 6th, 7th and 8th grade participants designed, built and programmed a wide variety of clever robots that picked up rings and place them on fixed and movable goal posts on the competition playing field. Six teams from each school will advance to a regional competition in Batavia on Saturday, February 12.

Many thanks to Event Director Mary Beth Hausken, Vex Program Coordinator Mark Pickus, Team leaders Tim Walsh, Jason Morrell, Jason Madel and Bob Woodlock, Judge Marc Couture, Emcee Jim Gates, Technical Director Josh Prisching, Video Equipment provider Rob Kowalski, Video Producers Rich Hillengas and Mary Jaime, Photographers Paul Goyette and David Kindler, Scorekeeper Mike Farrar, Scoreboard Operator Kevin Berger, Competition Cafe Managers Dee Goldman and Mary Mitrovich, and Team Mentors Jeremy Bloyd-Peshkin, Jess Cornman, Matt Couture, Dee Goldman, Jake Ellenbogen, Lucas Firpo, Sergio Firpo, Habiba, Sam Hanson, Mary Beth Hausken, Kandiah Kanagandram, Rachel Kolodziej, Seth Larson, Elliot Mertz, Bob Parks, Ian Parks, Nighet Razvi, Denis Roarty, Curtis Sell, Woody Skinkle, Leah Sacks, Yulia Semibratova, Sully Stewart, Alanna Sullivan, Luisa Vasquez, Milos Zefran.

Thanks also to our sponsor, Aria Group Architects, Inc.

Click here to see photos from the competition from Oak Park photographers David Kindler and Paul Goyette.



 

Click here to read the patch.com story about the art show and auction.

The 6th grade arts students at Brooks and Julian Middle School have created beautiful bird-themed art work for the 7th annual auction at Fly Bird, an Oak Park store specializing in curious items for the happy home, body and mind. Each year Fly Bird donates all proceeds from the show to benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation's Art Start program.

The show will be open for public bidding from February 28 - April 3, with an artists' reception at Fly Bird on Friday, February 25 from 6-8 pm. Bidding for the artwork starts at just $15, with a "Buy It Now" option of $40 per piece.

This year, our young artists approached the project with the concept of exploring beautiful birds in their natural habitat. Others were influenced by two types of Haitian art work: the metal work traditionally made from recycled metal oil drums and the sequined flags traditionally used as part of religious ceremonies and now sold to tourists. The work is made in the format of the flags out of metal. Click here to see some samples of student art work. Photos are by teacher Chris Worley, who led the project with fellow art teachers Kristi Murray and Lynn Reising.

The paintings will hang in Fly Bird's storefront window at 719 Lake Street, and can be observed at any time of day or night. Fly Bird is open seven days a week. For more information, stop by the store or email headbird@fly-bird.net.



 

All are welcome at the Oak Park Education Foundation's student Art Start exhibit on Saturday, May 22, from 12-4 pm, at 200 Harrison Street in Oak Park. The exhibit is part of the Oak Park Arts District's What's Blooming on Harrison event. This year's event highlights the work of "Emerging Artists."

Come by and enjoy the display, which will include quilts, a mural, "stained glass" designs, paintings and stitchery. Children are invited to participate in our "Make Your Own Masterpiece" activity table, raising money for OPEF, for $5/artist. In addition, the Oak Park Education Foundation will host a juice & cookie reception for student artists and their fans from 2-4 pm.

 

OPEF's 6th annual student art show/auction, hosted by Fly Bird, was again a smashing success! Thank you to Fly Bird, a design-oriented gift shop at 719 Lake Street in Oak Park, to our talented District 97 6th graders from both Julian and Brooks middle schools who created beautiful ink paintings of birds, their creative and dedicated art teachers, and all of you who bought their work! All proceeds from the auction benefit OPEF's Art Start program.

Click here to see photos from the auction display at Fly Bird by Oak Park photographer Paul Goyette.

 

OPEF's 16th annual William C. Staszak Award Dinner was our most successful fundraiser ever, netting more than $55,000 to fund Vex Robotics, Geared Up, Art Start, Global Village and Architecture Adventure in the District 97 public schools.

The evening honored Jan Pate, CEO of the West Cook YMCA and Trustee of the Village of Oak Park. OPEF also named Fly Bird, with owner Julian Nash, as our Business Partner of the Year. The wildly popular live auction was hosted by award-winning filmmaker, artist, attorney and Oak Park dad Mike Cramer.

Click here to see photos from the dinner.

 

Click here (PDF) to check out the fabulous items in this year's Staszak Dinner auction. Choose your favorite items now, and plan your bidding strategy for the evening!

This year's William C. Staszak Award Dinner to benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation will take place Saturday, April 24, Oak Park Country Club, 2001 Thatcher Avenue in River Grove, Illinois. The festivities begin at 6:00 pm, and include both live and silent auctions, featuring one-of-a-kind vacation homes, sports and show tickets, food and wine, behind-the-scenes tours, and much more. Tickets to the Staszak Dinner are $125 each. Mike Cramer, award-winning filmmaker, artist, attorney and Oak Park dad, will host our live auction. Contact Patti at (708) 524-3026 or pquilling@op97.org for more information or tickets!

This year's honoree is Jan Pate, CEO of the West Cook YMCA and Trustee of the Village of Oak Park. The dinner's award is presented in honor of William C. Staszak in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Education Foundation. He was also a very popular trustee of the Village of Oak Park. The award recognizes those who demonstrate the humanitarian spirit, devotion and service exemplified by Bill Staszak.

 

Fly Bird, a design-oriented gift shop at 719 Lake Street in Oak Park, is now hosting its 6th annual student art show and auction through May 2. District 97 6th graders from both Julian and Brooks middle schools, working with their art teachers, have donated their time and talent to create beautiful ink paintings of birds in Sumi-E style. All proceeds benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation's Art Start program.

Bidding starts at only $10, with a $30 "Buy It Now" option. Bids can be made via email, phone or in person. Frame Warehouse is offering $25 discounts on framing.

For more information, contact Fly Bird at headbird@fly-bird.net, or 708-383-3330.

 

Architecture Adventure student works are on display in the windows of 119 N. Marion Street in Oak Park, as part of "Architecture Week in Oak Park." The exhibit will extend beyond the week through April 30. Stop by and take a look!

The show includes large-scale chess pieces modeled after landmark buildings by Whittier students, large-scale building models for a miniature golf course designed by Longfellow students, designs for a green home by middle school students, elaborate landscape designs by Irving students, computer-generated 3D drawings by Lincoln students, and geometric stained glass designs in colored acetate by Lincoln students.

Through Architecture Adventure, District 97 students learn about architecture by working with visiting architects, designers and construction professionals, designing and building projects and taking field trips to Chicago and Oak Park sites of interest.

Numerous other events are planned for Architecture Week in Oak Park, including scavenger hunts that are part of the Oak Park Architecture Photo Party, coordinated by the Oak Park Architectural League.

 

The Oak Park Education Foundation hosted "Sponge
Ball Bonanza," an exciting competition showcasing the talents of Julian
and Brooks middle school students. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders, both
boys and girls, were guided by volunteer engineers, high school mentors
and teachers. Working in teams, they designed, built and programmed
robots that scored points by moving sponge balls into targets of
varying degrees of difficulty.

The Brooks gym was filled to capacity with friends and family
cheering on the 80 student designers. Junior varsity teams built robots
that operated by remote control, while varsity students programmed
their bots to operate autonomously, using sensors. Julian emerged
victorious, but all agreed that they had gained valuable experience not
only in making robots, but also in connecting with adult engineers and
learning how they work, and solving problems while working in teams.

Click here to see a slideshow of photos courtesy of Alec Bloyd-Peshkin.

 

Join us for the annual William C. Staszak Award dinner on Saturday, April 24, 2010, 6 pm at the Oak Park Country Club. This year we're honoring Jan Pate, CEO of the West Cook YMCA and Oak Park Village Trustee, for her dedication to the children of Oak Park. Mike Cramer, award-winning independent filmmaker, will emcee the event.

The evening includes socializing with old and new friends, and both live and silent auctions of wonderful items from sports tickets to vacation homes, jewelry to wine, tools to sailing trips. The dinner has sold out in recent years, so call or email now to buy tickets, place an ad, sponsor the event or donate an auction item: (708) 524-3026 or pquilling@op97.org.

 

Click here to see photos of the "Our Nation: The Fifty States" art quilt created by Mrs. Parkinson's Beye 2nd graders with local artist Pamela Penney. The class dyed fabric and yarn, designed individual quilt squares, then finished with some creative stitchery.

The quilt will be on display at the Oak Park Area Arts Council's gallery at Village Hall from March 1 through April 30, with an artists reception on Tuesday, March 2, 4:30-5:30 pm at Oak Park's Village Hall, room 101. Slide show photographs are by Oak Park photographer David Kindler.

 

An evening of exciting competition will get underway when robots take center stage in the 5th annual Brooks vs. Julian Vex Robotics competition. The event takes place on Wednesday February 24th at 7 pm in the Brooks Middle School gymnasium, 325 S. Kenilworth Avenue in Oak Park. You are cordially invited!

OPEF's after-school Vex Robotics teams are open to all District 97 middle school students. Young inventors control the design, performance and functionality of their robots, including the ability to program them to perform tasks by remote control or autonomously. This year, we've attracted a diverse group of 80 students who will compete in a challenge called the "Sponge Ball Bonanza." Students construct robots that collect sponge balls that must be lifted and delivered to a variety of difficult scoring targets. One is a tricky limbo bar that the robots must pass. Another target is completely hidden from view, requiring the use of sensors and programming to score.

Please come -- and bring the kids!

 

Our sincerest thanks to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, who made the Oak Park premiere of Mike's film, Dear Mr. Fidrych, a benefit for the Oak Park Education Foundation. The event was a sell-out and a wonderful evening. Thanks also to Classic Cinemas' Lake Theatre, the village of Oak Park's ArtRageous festival, and ABC 7 Chicago sports director Mark Giangreco for donating one of the exciting raffle prizes -- a personalized backstage tour of ABC 7 news.

Giangreco, who had a role in the film, promoted it (and OPEF) on his sportscast. Click here to see the clip!

Dear Mr. Fidrych was shot largely in Oak Park and River Forest and features numerous Oak Parkers as principal cast members, Chicago talent including Rob Belushi, ABC's Mark Giangreco, and the Score's Mike Mulligan, plus probably a hundred Oak Parkers who served as extras or otherwise contributed to the production of the film over the last three years. The movie premiered to a sold-out 480-seat auditorium at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival in June, where it won the Best Director award. You can check out the trailer, more photos and other info at www.dearmrfidrych.com, and learn more at the Dear Mr. Fidrych fan page on Facebook. Although it appeals to adults who like independent film, Dear Mr. Fidrych is entirely family friendly, and features lots of Oak Park kids in key roles.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the Oak Park Education Foundation!

  Many thanks to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, who donated the proceeds from the Oak Park premiere of Mike's award-winning film, "Dear Mr. Fidrych," to the Oak Park Education Foundation. For more on this heart-warming film about baseball and childhood dreams, click here.



 

The Oak Park Education Foundation is thrilled to be the beneficiary of the Oak Park premiere of Mike Cramer's film, Dear Mr. Fidrych, on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 9:30 p.m. at the Lake Theatre. Our thanks go out to Mike Cramer and Harlene Ellin, Classic Cinemas' Lake Theatre and the village's ArtRageous Oak Park festival.

The 7 p.m. show of "Dear Mr. Fidrych" sold out in 36 hours, but tickets are now on sale for a second Oak Park screening on October 8 at 9:30 p.m. To purchase your tickets in advance, go to www.dearmrfidrych.eventbrite.com.

Dear Mr. Fidrych was shot largely in Oak Park and River Forest and features numerous Oak Parkers as principal cast members, Chicago talent including Rob Belushi, ABC's Mark Giangreco, and the Score's Mike Mulligan, plus probably a hundred Oak Parkers who served as extras or otherwise contributed to the production of the film over the last three years. The movie premiered to a sold-out 480-seat auditorium at the Detroit Windsor International Film Festival in June, where it won the Best Director award. You can check out the trailer, more photos and other info at www.dearmrfidrych.com, and learn more at the Dear Mr. Fidrych fan page on Facebook. Although it appeals to adults who like independent film, Dear Mr. Fidrych is entirely family friendly, and features lots of Oak Park kids in key roles.

We hope you'll attend this event -- it's a great movie, and a very easy way to support the Oak Park Education Foundation. Please purchase tickets soon ($8 each, plus a small processing fee) -- the first show sold out in less than 2 days! Just visit this link: www.dearmrfidrych.eventbrite.com.

 

Bird enthusiasts, art lovers and consumers of fine things...come to Fly Bird, 719 Lake Street in Oak Park, now through June 14th for a visual and affordable treat. Fly Bird, a design-oriented gift shop in Oak Park, is hosting the 5th annual student art show/auction to benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation.

District 97 students from Hatch, Irving, Julian and Brooks schools, under the supervision of their art teachers, have created beautiful, colorful, 11" x 11" paintings with a bird theme. Bidding starts at only $5, will increases in increments of $5, with a "Buy Now" option for only $20! Bids can be made via email, telephone or in person. And Frame Warehouse is offering $25 discounts on framing.

Fly Bird is open seven days a week, Monday thru Saturday from 10-6 pm and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm. Email headbird@fly-bird.net, call 708-383-3330 or come to the store with any questions regarding the show. Stop by and take a look!

 

Thank you to all who donated, attended, purchased and celebrated at the Oak Park Education Foundation's William C. Staszak dinner on April 25, 2009. Our silent and live auctions, full of exciting, one-of-a-kind items, set a new fundraising record for OPEF. Special thanks to our honoree, architect and community volunteer Ade Onayemi, our live auction host, Zoraida Sambolin of NBC5 News Today, and our featured speaker, teacher Karen Fogg.

  Ms. L'Heureux and her Hatch 5th graders participated in a special Art Start project: "Who am I? Where?: Creating Maps of the Self and Community," now on display at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street.

Working with artist Guillermo Delgado, students made books including creative maps and writing of the self, community, journeys, special spaces, and memorable events using a variety of art mediums and mixed media. Mr. Delgado is a visual artist living in Oak Park. He was recently awarded a Ragdale Foundation artist residency through the National Endowment for the Arts and will be a visiting artist at Michigan State University for the second year in fall 2009.

You can see photos from the project here and an interview about the project with Mr. Delgado here.



 

Click here to check out the fabulous items in this year's Staszak Dinner auction. Choose your favorite items now, and plan your bidding strategy for the evening!

This year's William C. Staszak Award Dinner to benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation will take place Saturday, April 25, Oak Park Country Club, 2001 Thatcher Avenue in River Grove, Illinois. The festivities begin at 6:00 pm, and include both live and silent auctions, featuring one-of-a-kind vacation homes, sports and show tickets, food and wine, behind-the-scenes tours, and much more. Tickets to the Staszak Dinner are $100 each, and tables for 10 are $900. Zoraida Sambolin, anchor of Chicago's NBC 5 "News Today" and Oak Park parent, will host our live auction.

This year's honoree is Ade Onayemi, an architect who has devoted countless hours to not-for-profit service and leadership in Oak Park and the neighboring Austin community. Ade is a former District 97 Board of Education President, former Oak Park Education Foundation Board member, and an Oak Parker since 1984.

The dinner's award is presented in honor of William C. Staszak in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Education Foundation. He was also a very popular trustee of the Village of Oak Park. The award recognizes those who demonstrate the humanitarian spirit, devotion and service exemplified by Bill Staszak.

 

This year's Vex Robotics competition results: Brooks won the Uber Tuber Challenge, while Julian prevailed in the Ping Pong Fling. Click on the photo above to see a slideshow of photos from the event by Oak Park photographer Cindy Trim.



 

Save the date: Saturday, April 25 at the Oak Park Country Club. The Oak Park Education Foundation will honor Ade Onayemi, an architect who has devoted countless hours to not-for-profit service and leadership in Oak Park and the neighboring Austin community. Ade is a former District 97 Board of Education President, former Oak Park Education Foundation Board member, and an Oak Parker since 1984.

Our 15th annual William C. Staszak Award Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm; dinner is at 7:30. The lively evening will include both live and silent auctions, featuring one-of-a-kind vacation homes, sports and show tickets, food and wine, behind-the-scenes tours, and much more. Tickets to the Staszak Dinner are $100 each, and tables for 10 are $900.

The dinner's award is presented in honor of William C. Staszak in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Education Foundation. He was also a very popular trustee of the Village of Oak Park. The award recognizes those who demonstrate the humanitarian spirit, devotion and service exemplified by Bill Staszak.



 

Everyone is welcome at the exciting Vex Robotics competition, Julian vs. Brooks, on Wednesday, February 11, 7 pm in the Julian gym, 416 S. Ridgeland in Oak Park.

Watch teams compete with robots designed, built and programmed by middle school students. Junior Varsity teams and their remote-controlled bots will take on the Uber Tube Challenge, while Varsity teams have programmed their bots to score autonomously in the Ping Pong Fling. See the innovative designs students have devised for their robots to complete these tasks!



 

Stop by the 4th Annual Student Art Show/Auction, hosted by Fly Bird to benefit the Oak Park Education Foundation, through June 15 at 719 Lake Street in Oak Park.

140 unique bird sculptures created by middle school students are on exhibit - and for sale. Opening bids are just $10, with "buy it now" option at $30. The bird sculptures are fabulous!



 

The Oak Park Education Foundation's 14th annual William C. Staszak Award Dinner will take place on Saturday evening, April 26 at the Oak Park Country Club. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6:00 pm; dinner is at 7:00. This year's honoree is the Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education.

The special host and live auctioneer is Torey Malatia, President and General Manager of Chicago Public Radio. The lively evening's auction items will include: a Michigan beach house vacation, Cubs tickets, an evening at the Lyric Opera, wine and cheese tasting party for 20, cooking lessons with a chef in your home, and much more.

The dinner's award is presented in honor of William C. Staszak in recognition of his outstanding commitment as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Park Education Foundation. He was also a very popular trustee of the Village of Oak Park. The award recognizes those who demonstrate the humanitarian spirit, devotion and service exemplified by Bill Staszak.

The Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education is a nonprofit partnership dedicated to fostering high quality early care and educational experiences as well as support to families of young children. Their programs include training for early childhood professionals, an annual networking symposium, and publication of an Early Childhood Resource Directory.

Tickets to the Staszak Dinner are $100 each, and tables for 10 are $900. For tickets or information, contact the Oak Park Education Foundation at (708) 524-3023 or email dabrahamson@op97.org.

 

Come one, come all to the Vex Robotics competition of Julian vs. Brooks! Watch teams compete with robots designed, built, programmed and controlled by students.

The competition will take place on Thursday, April 3, 7 pm in the Brooks gym, 325 S. Kenilworth. The teams have built 10' x 14' playing fields on which to maneuver their robots to score points in various ways, including placing marbles and plastic eggs on a balance scale. Students have devised innovative ways for their robots to complete these tasks.

Vex Robotics is funded by the Oak Park Education Foundation, with support from the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation.

 

Last year's event was great fun with a sell-out crowd! Save the date: The Oak Park Education Foundation's annual William C. Staszak Award Dinner will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Oak Park Country Club. This year we're proud to honor The Collaboration for Early Childhood Care and Education.

The event will include both live and silent auctions, including trips and other one-of-a-kind prizes. Invitations will be mailed in mid-March. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

It was a sell-out event: The Oak Park Education Foundation's 2007 William C. Staszak Award Dinner honoring Dr. Susan Bridge and featuring Peter Sagal.

The April 14 event celebrates a community member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to our children. Dr. Bridge, the retiring superintendent and principal of Oak Park & River Forest High School, told the crowd how OPEF's enrichment programs make a difference in the education and the future of Oak Park kids.

Peter Sagal, host of NPR's "Wait...Wait...Don't Tell Me!" entertained the crowd and whipped it into a bidding frenzy as live auction host. Click here to see newspaper photos.

The event raised a record $40,000+ to support programs that bring experts in science, technology, architecture and art into District 97 classrooms to work with students and teachers.

 

The beautiful exhibit/auction of District 97 student bird paintings in the store windows of Fly Bird this May was our most successful ever! Customers admired and bid on the student works, with all proceeds benefiting the Oak Park Education Foundation. Bids started at just $10, with a "Buy It Now" option for just $30.

Fly Bird, at 719 Lake Street in Oak Park, features curious items for the happy home, body and mind. This is the 3rd year that Fly Bird owner and District 97 parent Julia Nash has hosted the fundraiser for the Oak Park Education Foundation.

Proceeds from the auction support the 4 Oak Park Education Foundation programs: Art Start, Global Village, Vex Robotics and Architecture Adventure, which partner community experts in classrooms with more than 2,300 Oak Park students each year.