MACK International a success

More than 150 Mountain Avenue Elementary supporters took flight on May 10 to attend the first MACK (Mountain Avenue is Committed to Kids) Night International. The event was a primary fundraiser for the school and organizers were anxious to see how the bottom line would end up.

The results are in and MACK International raised nearly $17,000 to benefit the school.

This was the 16th annual parent’s night out fundraiser, but the first time it was held on the school’s campus.

In the past, the event was held at local restaurants and country clubs, but MACK president Greg Grande and his board decided to bring the event home, back to the school they all work so hard to support.

“I thought it was a fun and festive night,” said Principal Rebeca Witt. “It was wonderful to see all the parents come together to support their school.”

The “International” theme had MACK supporters enjoying foods from around the world from Italy to Germany. Joselito’s Mexican, Sarantino’s Italian, Korean Mother’s Group’s BBQ and noodles, Damon’s burgers and Shriner’s sauerkraut. The evening was rounded out with dessert from Takes the Cake, musical entertainment and lively rounds of Bunco. The night also included a silent auction and opportunity drawings that were very popular.

“It was very symbolic having it at the school,” Witt said.

This is Witt’s first year as principal at the school. She previously had served in the Pasadena Unified School District before accepting the position at Mountain.

“We didn’t have a foundation at my school. We worked with the Pasadena Foundation which was [district-wide] but I have never had one for my school,” she said.

Witt said that these funds combined with the almost $20,000 raised through the school’s jog-a-thon will help the school in many ways.

“The board is now looking forward to next year and the needs for our students,” she said.