Aeon Bailey is a general assignment reporter for The Summerville Journal Scene.
The Dorchester School District Two Educational Foundation hosted a Moonlit Movie fundraiser Saturday, Dec. 14, at John McKissick Field. The event was presented by Roni and Co. and included free games and crafts for children, a prize for the best costume, food trucks and The Grinch movie, which was projected on a giant inflatable screen at dusk.
"The Dorchester Two Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support DD2 teachers and students, said DD2 Educational Foundation Executive Director Ralph Hayes. "South Carolina has over 80 public school districts, and many people don't realize DD2 is the fifth lowest funded district of those 80 districts. So, it is vital for us to work with the community and provide resources so that our teachers and students have what they need in the classroom."
Hayes provided examples of the types of resources the foundation has been able to provide.
"Over the past few years, we're really excited that we have been able to make impacts in each of our buildings throughout the school district," he said. "We find teacher classroom grants. We have funded our district's weapons detection canine, Chester, who helps keep our campuses safe. We have sent teachers and students to national conferences and professional development to continue their learning. We have infused hydroponic gardens, specifically for our students with special needs to infuse STEM into their activities that they're doing daily."
At the event, sponsors hosted activities for attendees. The food trucks raised money for culinary programs, and Santa Claus made an appearance.
The night culminated in the screening of The Grinch on the inflatable movie screen facing Memorial Stadium's home seating.
The foundation is planning other community events in the future.
"We are really looking forward to our spring gala, called 'The Big Event,'" Hayes said. "This year is going to be the biggest ever. We are actually transitioning locations to where we are going to be hosting at the Exchange Park Club near the fairgrounds. That event is a traditional nonprofit-type event where we have catered food, open bars, silent and live auctions, and entertainment. It's also a way for the community to show support and make sure that we have the resources to support our teachers. The best way for anybody to support our DD2 educators and students is to sign up for our two-for-two program. It makes you a recurring donor for as little as $2 per month, breaking down those philanthropic barriers.
If you can give $2 a month, you can make an impact in our classroom. So, we love it when the community signs up for that, and they're a part of what we're doing all year long."