New Tech High @ Coppell will host its third bi-annual Mardi Gras benefit celebration on Saturday evening, Feb. 9. Proceeds from the event, which includes a dinner, a raffle, silent and live auctions and entertainment by New Tech learners, will benefit Coppell Special Olympics.
Organizers are hoping to repeat the success of the first two Mardi Gras events. Four years ago, New Tech donated $10,000 to Children’s Medical Center of Dallas, and in 2011, the proceeds allowed New Tech to build a house in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.
In addition to the monetary donation, New Tech geometry students have traditionally donated a quilt created for the event. One quilt hangs at the medical center and the other was a gift to the family that moved into the house that the learners helped build.
Coppell Special Olympics was selected as this year’s charity by a school-wide vote last fall, following a review of proposals presented by groups of seniors who researched and presented ideas for different charities.
Christina Mylar led the group that proposed that the school adopt Special Olympics as this year’s partner. Christina, who has a brother who has been involved in Special Olympics, said that she’s been helping with Special Olympics for several years and she said that “it’s quite honestly the most fulfilling experience I have known.” She has seen how being involved in sports helps increase the kids’ self-esteem as they gain confidence and develop lasting relationships with coaches, volunteers and athletes. She wanted her friends and classmates at New Tech to be able to see the same things.
This benefit evening is just one of many events that the school has held or will hold to support Coppell Special Olympics and the kids associated with the organization.
Sara Hayes, a New Tech senior and event organizer, said the committee has been hard at work planning, collecting donations for the auctions and selling dinner tickets. She’s looking forward the meeting more of the kids who will benefit from the event.
“Being part of an event that supports such a special cause makes the stress and time involved with planning rewarding,” said Hayes.
Sylvia Petrova, another senior and student coordinator, is looking forward to bringing the community together for a fun evening. In addition to the dinner, raffle and auction, there will be live music, games and other activities, all planned and presented by New Tech learners.
“This event is one of my favorite New Tech Gives Back projects, and I am beyond excited for the opportunity to help Coppell Special Olympics,” said Petrova.
Attendance is free and the community is invited. Dinner tickets are $10 each and should be purchased in advance. The event begins at 5 p.m.
For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation for the raffle or auction, contact New Tech at (214) 596-5900 or visit www.coppellisd.com/domain/2188.