Ludington's Oriole Foundation

The Oriole Foundation is pleased to once again hold Dancing with the local stars as a fundraiser.

Local dancing “stars” will take center stage at Lincoln Hills Golf Club on Saturday, April 29  to raise money for the Ludington Area School District’s Oriole Foundation and the school’s robotics program.  The public is invited to attend and see their moves. 

“We are so thankful to these very generous and brave community members who are stepping out on the dance floor in an effort to bring awareness  to the Oriole Foundation, which does so much to support innovative programs and unique educational needs for students in our district,“ said Brandy Miller, President of the Oriole Foundation. “We are excited to share that this year’s event will benefit the Ludington Area Schools robotics program.”

The local stars and their dance partners taking the stage include: 

Dean and Andrea Raven 
Dann and Julie VanDyke 
Perry and Wendy Merrillat 
Jamie Adam and Tom Buchanan 
Chris and Jenna Simpler

Pennies from Heaven Foundation has graciously committed a $50,000 match for funds raised as part of this event; all contributions will have double the impact. 

Dancers and their partners will be competing against each other for one of three trophies: Judges’ Choice, Most Entertaining and People’s Choice. The People’s Choice award goes to the couple who receives the most public votes - $1 equals 1 vote!  Vote NOW for your favorite couple. If you would like to make a donation before the event, in cash or check to save us credit card fees, contact Brandy Miller at brandyh@ludington.org.

Choreography is being provided by Alissa Bly, Cara Mitchell, Emma Cleaveau, and Katelin Anderson.  Another local star, Kaley Petersen, will be emcee for the evening.  Judges for the evening will be Mitch Foster, Laura Powers, and Kyle Gurzynski.

Tickets to attend the event are now on sale for $75 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres, dancing and entertainment (cash bar available). Tickets are limited and can only be purchased online.

Thank you for your interest in the Oriole Foundation. The Oriole Foundation was established December 2003 to enrich the Ludington Area School District’s  tradition of excellence.  Our mission is to raise public support for innovative programs and activities sponsored by the school district, enhance and strengthen the education of all individuals and groups within the school district, find resources to assist the development of exceptional educational programs not normally funded through regular fiscal resources, and fill the unique educational needs of our community. This is an organization classified by the IRS Section 170(c) which allows for charitable contributions to a public school district.

The Oriole Foundation awards grants to Ludington teachers in two cycles, one each in spring and fall. Teachers have the opportunity to apply for grants to cover projects where state funding has not kept pace with the cost of educating today’s students. Teachers have submitted grants for items such as flexible seating, scientific equipment to augment the Technology Bond initiative and coding robots to expand the coding for kids clubs.

The foundation held its first signature event in October of 2016, Dancing with the Local Stars and the Pennies From Heaven Foundation graciously matched all monies raised at that event for a grand total of nearly $280,000 raised for the Oriole Foundation.

 

We are so fortunate to belong to such a generous community that values education.  Please consider a gift to the Oriole Foundation if your alumni group has an event, when you are considering estate planning or would like to contribute to support our mission.

Ludington High School Alumni Pages

The Oriole Foundation has initiated an opportunity for Ludington Area alumni groups to inform their classmates of events they are hosting.  If you would like to have your alumni group’s contact information, Facebook page or website listed below please contact Andy Klevorn, Ludington Area School District technology director at aklevorn@lasd.net.

LHS Class of 2006 Closed Facebook Group
LHS Class of 1998 Facebook Page
LHS Class of 1958 Web Page

LHS Class of 1956 Web Page