Wendy Castillo, principal of St. Theresa School, said the school’s recent car wash and plant sale was a huge success due to the generosity of the event donors.
The David Abalos family walked off with the grand prize for the event that was held on Feb. 20 at the school’s campus, where patrons wanting their vehicles washed could have the task done for a donation. Funds from the event were set aside to help with the necessary COVID-19 deep-cleaning of the school.
“Congratulations to the Abalos family, including David, Shereen, Tiana, Irie, Jazmyn and Sage Abalos,” Castillo said in a post to social media. “The Abalos family is new to the STS ‘Ohana, and we are so excited for them.”
St. Theresa School opened in the midst of the pandemic with five-day-a-week, in-person education for its students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade, hobbled by the strict health and safety guidelines that forced the cancellation of its annual signature carnival event that provides major fundraising for school operations.
Helping fuel the fundraising car wash that was supplemented with the plant sale arising from donations from the community and the STS ‘ohana, pre-kindergarten student Kolten Ruiz topped all ticket-sellers with 580 tickets to earn a new bicycle and accessories.
Hot on his heels, transitional kindergarten student Emalia Miguel finished with 345 tickets, earning her big, white, stuffed bear toy.
Community donors chipping into the pot included Tim Mira of Corcoran Group, Gina Duarte of Gina’s Anykine Grinds in theHistoric Waimea Theatre, Big Save Waimea and Big Save Kaua‘i.
Castillo said the goal for the fundraiser was $1,500, and due to the tremendous effort from everyone, the total raised surpassed $5,660.
Castillo said another fundraiser is planned for March, with more prizes and more incentives. The proceeds go to help with operational costs for the current school year.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
