On Monday, April 15, Central Elementary School auctioned off art created by first- through fifth-grade Bullpups at the Second Annual Masterpiece Monday fundraiser.
The auction included both silent and live auction portions, both in person and through Facebook Live, during which the art of more than 27 students was sold. The elementary school surpassed its goal of $4,000, raising $6,000 through art sales and donations. Each piece sold for an average cost of $50 to $75, with high-ticket pieces selling for as much as $300.
HF Sinclair and 42 Construction each made donations to assist the school with marketing and advertising costs and overall fundraising.
“Masterpiece Monday is a unique fundraiser that showcases the artistic talents of Central Elementary students,” said Central Principal Kate DeHoyos. “I hope this event will continue to grow from year to year.”
The event drew 50 community members in person alone, including some of the student artists. Artists present at the event were able to walk their creations around the room and witness the bidding, providing an additional opportunity for students and parents to be involved in the fundraising process. DeHoyos stated feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive and Masterpiece Monday is sure to become an annual fundraiser for Central Elementary.
Funds raised through Masterpiece Monday are deposited into the Central Elementary PTO Fund, an account used to directly benefit the elementary experience of students. The largest portion of these funds will be used in the Winter and Spring School Store, a shopping experience that allows students to use AR Reading points and other academic metrics as money for shopping.
According to Central PTO President Kristy Crockett, these stores are set up strategically around winter and spring holidays to provide students with opportunities to buy presents for themselves and others regardless of the socioeconomic status at home. Funds are also used to provide rewards for “Mountain Climbers” and “Mathletes,” students who show the most improvement over each nine-week period.
This program is designed to monitor student growth, not just good grades, in an attempt to ensure the award is presented to the hardest worker rather than the highest achiever. Funds can also be used for smaller projects or events, such as bowling trips or Homecoming float registration and supplies.
All art sold during Masterpiece Monday was created by the Central Elementary students listed below during in-school art time. Students selected, in no particular order, included:
Emilin Abernathy
Ezra Aguirre
Melanie Altamirano
Araceli Anaya
Yael Barbosa
Ariah Bueno
Nyzhony Bustamante
Joseph Casillas
Amias Chavez
Ella Crockett
Alexandra DeLeon
Emily Drake
LeeAnn Fischer
David Hernandez
Ayla Ramirez
Arenalie Luna
Angel Martinez
Bailie McCauley
Xenia Munoz
Aalizya Ornelas
Fatima Pacheco
Damian Perez
Eduardo Reyes
Caraline Roach
Guillermo Salinas
Zaria Smith
Felicity Vazquez
