The sixth annual “Sweets for Success” Dessert Benefit and Auction at Todd Beamer High School will be held Friday, April 30th, from 6-9 p.m.

Hosted by the Federal Way AmeriCorps team, Sweets for Success raises money to enable secondary students to participate in extracurricular activities such as music, speech and debate, sports, and art. To date, the AmeriCorps team has distributed 959 awards to students in the district.

In the Federal Way Public Schools, 51percent of the student population is on free or reduced lunch. With the rising cost of extracurricular fees, many students lose the opportunity to develop essential skills and build their self-confidence.

By participating in the auction, you’ll be helping provide opportunities for students to rise above their circumstances.

Last year’s event raised over $20,000; in the past five years over $60,000 has been raised with $55,000 already awarded to students.

This year’s event will feature entertainment and refreshments, as well as a silent/live auction. Desserts will be one dollar per slice. Auction item contributions are welcome and may be sent to:

Sweets for Success
C/O AmeriCorps
1711 South Commons
Federal Way, WA 98003

Four Facts about Sweets for Success:
· Free and reduced lunch has doubled since 2000 and increased 5% in the past year.
· 135% increase in money awarded to students from 2007-08 to 2008-09
· In one semester this year we have awarded over $18,000, matching the total for the year 2008-09 school year.
· 100% proceeds from Sweets for Success goes directly to secondary students in FWPS.