Ladies of Lawrence Township Shop, Eat and Model while Helping Local Students

Ladies (and a few gentlemen) who attended the Lawrence Township School Foundation Ladies’ Luncheon were treated to a Spring fashion show, delicious dining and a chance to do some shopping for a good cause. But the real highlight of the March 28 event was hearing from students whose lives have been changed through programs funded by the Foundation. The ladies’ luncheon was introduced last year as a fundraiser for the township’s new MAC (My Achievement Center) program, which opened at both high schools in Fall 2005. These tutoring centers are available to any student during study hall periods and are always staffed by at least two tutors.

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Lawrence North Sophomore Fatimah Adbul-Kareem was in jeopardy of failing several courses when she decided to get help at the MAC. The tutors there not only helped her academically, they also encouraged her to speak up in class when she didn’t understand something. The MAC offers a “judgment-free, friendly learning environment,” Adbul-Kareem said. “I didn’t understand because I didn’t ask questions,” she said. “I didn’t ask questions because I was scared, so I was stuck.” She says she walked into the MAC with an “uncertain future and an unmentionably low GPA.” She now boasts a 2.7 GPA and recently achieved a B+ in Honors Geometry.Monica Loyd, a junior at Lawrence Central, had a similar success story to tell about her experience with the township’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program. This program is for average students who have the potential to do more but perhaps not the drive, guidance or vision.

“They push you to take the harder classes you don’t want to,” said Loyd, who recently achieved an A+ in Chemistry. “There’s nothing embarrassing about it because it helps me.”

“They want me to excel not only in academics, but they want me to excel in life,” added Courtney Morris, an AVID student at LN.

These programs are clearly beneficial, but they’re also expensive ($225,000 annually), and no school funding is used to support them. That’s where the Foundation comes in. With the LTSF “Moms for the MAC” drive, Jan Keefer, president-elect of the Foundation board, is asking Lawrence Township women (or men) to consider donating $100 this year. Payments can be mailed quarterly, and it breaks down to the cost of one cup of coffee a day, she said.

The Foundation also funds Professional Development Grants for special projects proposed by teachers and administrators, as well as other programs and scholarships.

“When you give kids the right tools, success is inevitable,” said Christie Love, Foundation Executive Director.

Keefer made her plea for financial pledges while sporting some fashion wear from the Secret Ingredient Boutique, owned by Susi Eckert. Other Foundation members modeled fashions ranging from casual capris to flirty Spring dresses and glitzy “night-out” attire. A percentage of sales from Secret Ingredient—along with Mission Coffee & Tea Company and Silpada Designs jewelry—went to the Foundation. Star Financial Bank and Phil Myers Custom Homes sponsored the four-star meal catered in to the historic Kendall Inn at Fort Harrison.

Shopping, eating and laughing – all for a good cause… What can be better than that?

To find out more about the Foundation, visit www.msdltf.org. Donations may be made to: Lawrence Township School Foundation, 5626 Lawton Loop E. Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46216. If you are interested in volunteering as a MAC tutor, call the Foundation at 423-8300.

LTSF

Lawrence Township Schools Foundation Chairman Moriag McCarthy, board member Kim Wilson and Foundation staff member Mary Ann Pennington at the Ladies’ Luncheon at the Kendall Inn.

LTSF shopping

Guests do a little shopping before the LTSF Ladies’ Luncheon at the Kendall Inn. A portion of sales was given to the foundation.

Janet Harris LTSF runway
Janet Harris sports a “rhinestone cowgirl” look during the fashion show by Secret Ingredient Boutique at the LTSF Ladies’ Lucheon. LTSF Board President-Elect Jan Keefer models a tank top and capri pants from Secret Ingredient Boutique during the Ladies’ Luncheon March 28.

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