Making education better with the Blue Jean Ball

The Cloquet Educational Foundation's 22nd Blue Jean Ball brought a large crowd to Black Bear Casino Saturday to put the fun in fundraising.

Close to 350 people attended this year's event - most of them in blue jeans - to see people, enjoy a good meal, admire the remarkable table decor, play and spend money, all to pay for educational initiatives that add to the education Cloquet students already receive.

The Pine Knot News sat down with Cloquet Educational Foundation executive director Jody Acers to find out more about the non-profit organization she heads, and why a giant party where people play games, spend money and race to get the best table brings in so much money and support.

QLet's start with the Blue Jean Ball. Why does it work so well?

JODY ACERS: When I think of the Blue Jean Ball, I feel the table decorations are the stars, the games the exceptional fun, the auctions are the backbone, and the many volunteers are the energy and "glue" that keeps it all together.

I also have a personal theory about having a big event in the cold of winter: Our community craves a place where we can gather and just talk, laugh, enjoy a few fun games, share a meal, and do some good. We want to be joined together, and we are by something as simple as wanting great education in Cloquet. There are few times in the year where the community can get together for such a good cause, and this year the CEF raised roughly $35,000 to support education in Cloquet.

QWhat exactly is the Cloquet Educational Foundation?

ACERS: CEF is a non-profit with a mission to "provide opportunities for academic, artistic, athletic, cultural, and social growth for children and youth in the Cloquet School District by financially supporting programs and activities."

Put simply, we raise money to help pay for all kinds of things the school district budget wouldn't cover, things that enhance the district's great education. In the last grant cycle alone we funded 23 separate programs, including elementary school literacy nights and dissection frogs for the seventh grade science class. We support a wide range of programs and initiatives: Math Masters and Girls in Engineering, innovative art projects at the middle school and clubs that help promote civility and kindness in the schools.

Grants are awarded by the CEF Board three times a year: in October, January, and May. So far, the CEF has granted over $74,000 this school year alone.

QAside from the Blue Jean Ball, where does CEF get its money?

ACERS: Fundraising is an integral part of the CEF board and I'm always amazed by the generosity of the many donors. We have strong support from CHS alumni and it just keeps growing.

For example, several years ago, a few members of the Class of 1963 were planning their reunion and wanted to set up a special fund in memory of classmates they had lost. Now, out of 31 funds, there are five "Class Funds." Recently, we have also seen an uptick of CHS Class reunions supporting CEF through 50/50 raffles and auctions. The classes of 1990 and 1973 both sponsored tables at the Blue Jean Ball. And there are many people who start a fund in memory of a loved one.

Each gift, big or small, funds raised by the foundation, and partnerships with community businesses and organizations are managed locally by Split Rock Trading in Cloquet.

QWhat do you love about the Cloquet Educational Foundation?

ACERS: Aside from sports teams, the CEF serves as a "connection point" for a lot of friends and alumni of Cloquet. They love paying it forward to future generations.

It is really nice to see the relevance each gift to the CEF has right now for the students of Cloquet. The board is aware of how impactful donations, gifts, and fundraisers are to the educational lives of our local youth and we are proud that the money stays within our community, making our school district stronger with each donation.

Q Got any last words?

ACERS: I really want to thank our Blue Jean Ball volunteers. And I'd like to highlight a few this year who also happen to work in the school district, including MC Mike Klyve (CMS Social Studies teacher), auctioneer Cameron Lindner (CMS technology education teacher) and CMS teachers Crimsen and Ryan Hanson, who wowed the crowd with great music. Others on the list included Michelle Wick, Career and Technical Education program coordinator, and all the students in the Lumberjack fab lab, who made many items for the ball this year, and Principal Battaglia, who sold game tickets. And of course, all of our amazing board members and other supporters.

There are so many people to thank. I haven't had time to really take in all the generosity of our supporters or the hard work of our fabulous volunteers. I am just so proud of the work the CEF does in the community, and I feel strongly that we need to pay it forward.