“Gifts For Growth Gala” Raises over $200,000 for Magnuson Christian School
Families, teachers and supporters showed up with enthusiasm on Saturday, April 1, for Magnuson Christian School’s annual “Gifts for Growth” Gala that was held at Vadnais Commons in Vadnais Heights. The Gala raised over $200,000, which included a matching grant, and will help fund Chromebooks and scholarships, in addition to, in part, underwriting the cost of a Magnuson Christian School education.
The school, which is located in the newly renamed “Community of Grace Lutheran Church” on Highway 61, just south of County Road F in White Bear Lake, is in its 13th year and continues it’s solid history of parent and community support.
“The fact that a small school such as Magnuson can raise this kind of support in a single evening is evidence that the parents and community are experiencing the life-changing impact that a Magnuson Christian School education has to offer,” said Perry Pickerign, board member.
The funds raised will be used to refresh current technology and to expand the use of Chromebooks in the classroom. Currently, all middle school students have a classroom Chromebook and these funds will enable the use of Chromebooks in the lower grades as well.
In addition to technology, funds raised will help underwrite the cost of a Magnuson Christian School education.
According to Board Chairman Zach Boxrud, “Tuition fees at Magnuson account for about 60 percent of the operating expenses. That’s why this Gifts for Growth Gala is so vital to the school. It provides new life, really, for the students in the form of scholarships. It provides new life for the school itself with technology updates and refreshes. It provides new life for the parents, as well, for giving their students a place to go where they receive a well-rounded education, that’s Christ-centered. It provides new life for the teachers so that we can provide them with the support they need to meet each individual students’ needs. “
“The generous gifts that we get from supporters match the material resources with the infectious energy of the students and staff, giving this community the opportunity to grow stronger every day,” said the school’s Director, Sue Spangenberg.
“I’ve had children at the school for six years,” said Boxrud. “We love Magnuson Christian School and we have loved just seeing our children grow up and their faith strengthened as they’ve attended Magnuson Christian School. When I joined the board in 2015, it really set home why we love that our kids have the opportunity to be here. Just having that faith that we build with our children at home, reinforced at school is such a tremendous thing for our family. “