Cary Education Foundation Raises Funds for D-26

Cary School District 26 has been strapped for cash but the Cary 26 Education Foundation decided to organize and raise funds for programs that are going to directly impact students.

The Cary Vine Wine Tasting and Silent Auction is one of the foundation's largest events and they raised more than $10,000 April 9.

"We had an excellent turnout from the community and raised some needed funds for the district," Julie Schullian, co-president of the foundation said.

"The important work being performed by our organization would not be possible without such a dedicated group of individuals that have given so much of their time and talents to serve on the Board of Directors," she said.

The foundation also took their talents to the courts, as they hosted their second annual Cary Madness basketball tournament, which raised about $800.

Bruce Wolfram, foundation treasurer, said the basketball tournament was "an interest of mind and it feeds an interest a lot of us have, and it raises money for the foundation."

Wolfram said he has two children in District 26 now and one child joining soon.

The tournament had 10 teams this year and Wolfram said he hopes for more teams in the future. 

The money raised for the foundation's events is held for teachers to apply for grants.

Jeff Falconer, co-president of the foundation, said they give out funds to District 26 teachers based on how many kids are going to be impacted by the contribution and the students direct contact with the materials, including technology, reading programs, gym equipment and other items that students will benefit from. 

"I had two kids in the district and no one was doing something like this, Falconer, said. "It's been fun."

Mark Brashear, who volunteers for the foundation and has two children at Three Oaks Elementary, said his wife told him, "Don't complain—do something about it."

Brashear said he was "disappointed in the state of affairs with the district and wanted to get involved."