Event benefits high schools

COEUR d'ALENE - A fundraiser to benefit activities programs at both of Coeur d'Alene's traditional high schools takes place Saturday at The Coeur d'Alene Best Western Inn.

The silent auction and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased at either high school's office.

In its eighth year, the fundraiser, formerly known as "Cruisin' for Kids," has been renamed "Two Schools One Goal," and it's a name that says it all.

"We may be a Viking or Timberwolf at heart, but we have one goal, to make our schools better," said organizer Sally Aragon.

The fundraiser first came together in 2002 when budget shortfalls faced by the school district threatened freshman sports programs at Coeur d'Alene and Lake City high schools. Administrators, coaches, parents and boosters cast cross-town rivalry aside, and partnered to bring in donations for both schools.

Since then, the annual effort has brought in $227,300 that has been divided between the schools.

"What's great about it is all of our school has an opportunity to put together a gift basket or prize for the auction," said Jim Winger, activities director at Lake City High School. "They get the total profit from that, and some of the groups have really benefited over the years."

The fundraiser supports all programs, clubs and sports, and the dollars are needed as much today as they were when the joint fundraising efforts began.

"It's huge. A lot of our activities have budgets that are miniscule," Winger said. "It's been great. The amount of work the parent groups and boosters have done is really amazing putting this event together each year."

Advance ticket purchase is encouraged.