This year, Cardozo’s English Department, under the supervision of Assistant Principal Beth Kierez, brought back their silent auction fundraiser for the first time since 2020.
The event, which has not happened since before the pandemic, is a fundraiser that raises money for student scholarships, as well as the English and Journalism departments. Mrs. Kierez, who has been in charge of this fundraiser for eight years, said that bringing the event back was important.
“It’s for community outreach, as well as to support the memory of our two teachers Brian Shea and David Lee,” she said. Both Shea and Lee were teachers in the English and ENL Departments at Cardozo, and the English Department gives out senior scholarship awards in both teacher’s names. The money raised goes towards the student scholarships, along with program needs.
Bringing the event back also brings together the community, Mrs. Kierez said. “This also gives kids and parents an opportunity to come together and try to connect with activities the school brings along,” she shared.
This year, items ranged from designer handbags such as Michael Kors, autographed sports memorabilia, hand-crafted baskets with wine and other items, and various gift cards to vendors and shops. Many of the new items were donated by Cardozo faculty and staff, while others were donated from organizations.
Fundraisers such as this are beneficial for schools because they provide essential financial support beyond the regular, annual budget. The silent auction helps fund extracurricular activities in the English and Journalism programs, like helping to purchase new equipment and technology and support field trips. These activities promote student engagement and build a sense of community.
Many teachers agree, saying that the silent auction is an event that helps to bring the students together. Additionally, fundraisers teach students valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and responsibility.
Ms. Amiri, an English teacher, stated, “I believe it’s the experiences that we have outside the classroom that shape our high school experience.”
Ms. Eshaghian, dean and English teacher, agreed, sharing that it’s a nice experience to be with students and colleagues outside of the classroom. “It’s good to talk to colleagues and students in a way you don’t usually have to,” she said.
Students who volunteered for the event said that it helped to bring them together with their program, Journalism. “It was fun to see teachers outside of their natural habitat,” Omaries Henry, senior and Journalism student, said.
Other students who volunteered to set up and greet the incoming guests liked the fact that they were able to spend time together while also giving back to the school community. Madison Rivera, senior, even won one of the auction items — a relaxation basket with a Stanley tumbler.
Parents and community members from outside the school building also came to help support the programs. Many felt it was a good opportunity to see the school and also see what is to come from English and Journalism. One guest shared that her son is a freshman at Cardozo, and she wanted to see the Annex building but also give back to the school by partaking in the raffles.
Overall, the silent auction was a success for it being the first one back since Covid. Mrs. Kierez shared that she has high hopes for next year’s auction, and looks forward to bringing in more donations and raising more money.
