'Taverns for Textbooks' is LEEP fundraiser

Le Mars Community Education Enhancement Project (LEEP) will hold its first fundraiser, Nov. 10.

"Taverns for Textbooks" will feature a meal of taverns, chips, drink and bars for a freewill donation served in the Le Mars Community High School Cafeteria.

A raffle for an iPod and a $50 gift certificate to Archie's Waeside is also being held, for $1 a chance.

"Funds raised will be used to replace worn textbooks," said LEEP president Gayle Vonk.

According to Vonk, a new textbook costs approximately $50.

Members of LEEP began meeting last spring and have by-laws and financial arrangements in place.

The group's mission statement is "To enhance the value and meaning of education for our students, families, and communities."

LEEP is organized as a fundraising body to help the Le Mars Community School district pursue academic excellence in the face of financial constraints due to declining enrollment and state budget cuts.

"We've had more people attending our meetings and becoming involved in bringing fundraising ideas to the table," said Vonk.