Spring event surpasses auction goals, raises funds for classroom grants, and builds momentum for future

ATASCADERO — After a six-year hiatus, the CAPS (Community Action Partnership for Schools) in-person fundraiser made a triumphant return with a fun-filled, family-friendly event at the Charles Paddock Zoo — and despite a modest turnout, the day was a roaring success.

“We had more of a modest turnout than we were hoping for, but everybody who was there had a great time,” said CAPS Event Chair Nicole Hider. “It was a great way to reintroduce ourselves to the community because it was so fun — and that word-of-mouth is just going to build.”

Held in late spring — a notoriously busy time of year for families with end-of-school-year activities, sports, and fundraisers — the event still drew enthusiastic community participation and strong support from across the Atascadero Unified School District and beyond. “All things considered, we were really pleased with the turnout and the backing we received from the district, all the school sites, and the larger community,” Hider shared. “The weather couldn’t have been more perfect.”

The event featured a delightful buffet lunch and shave ice provided by Paradise Shave Ice, beverages donated by Ancient Peaks Winery and Firestone Walker Brewing Company, and, of course, the main attraction — bingo.

The CAPS team designed a robust bingo setup with five cards per player, each featuring three games, totaling 15 rounds. But it wasn’t just the games that had people smiling — it was the local celebrity callers who stole the show.

“The first round was kicked off by committee members Felisha Imhoff and Matt Pennon, who helped welcome everyone and explain the mission behind the event,” said Hider. “Then Superintendent Tom Butler and incoming Superintendent Tom Bennett took the mic. They were such a kick! And we wrapped up with the mayoral slate — Tom O’Malley, Heather Moreno, and Charles Bourbeau. Their banter was unmatched!”

The event had a casual, joyful atmosphere, with families and kids enjoying the zoo, and laughter filling the air. Several school board members also attended, further underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting education.

“That’s not even mentioning the auction!” said Hider. “We surpassed our goal, which is amazing. Especially considering this was our first in-person event in six years and came together on relatively short notice.”

Among the auction’s most popular items was the coveted “Scone of the Month” package from John McGuire’s hospitality class at Paloma Creek High School. The bidding war was so intense that McGuire generously offered a second package to the runner-up.

“You just never know which items are going to inspire people,” Hider laughed. “It was so fun to see how excited everyone got.”

The online auction boasted over 80 donated items from generous businesses up and down the Central Coast —everything from rounds of golf and bottles of wine to spa packages, children’s experiences, and themed baskets donated by school sites. While the online format was effective, Hider mentioned that a hybrid model might be introduced next year to better engage attendees at the event.

“Being outside at a casual family event makes it tough to manage a full silent auction in person,” she said. “But we’re already brainstorming ways to incorporate both options. The community support from local businesses was phenomenal, and we want to showcase that in the best way possible.”

Another highlight? The simplicity. “We set up in two hours, cleaned up in one and a half, and had a great time. It was a breath of fresh air compared to the all-day setups and late-night tear-downs we used to do.”

CAPS is already looking forward to next year’s spring event, with plans to expand on what worked, like community bingo callers and relaxed family fun, and improve where needed. The event also sparked interest in committee involvement, with attendees asking how they could help in the future, from event setup to auction item collection.

“This really is a community effort for our community,” Hider said. “When our students have what they need in their classrooms, everyone benefits.”

Though the final tally is still being confirmed, CAPS hopes to distribute around $35,000 in grants to classrooms across the district.

Looking ahead, CAPS is preparing to launch its grant process this summer, aiming to have applications ready for teachers by the start of the school year. The new spring timing of the event was intentionally designed to allow grant funds to be distributed earlier in the academic calendar, giving teachers the resources they need when it matters most.

“We’re excited to support our teachers more quickly with this new timeline,” Hider explained. “We’ll send out the Google Form application to school principals a couple of weeks before school starts, so they can begin planning. The school sites are incredibly collaborative when it comes to allocating funds — always looking for the best way to benefit their students.”

In the end, the CAPS Bingo Bash proved to be more than just a fundraiser — it was a celebration of community spirit, a return to in-person connection, and a joyful reminder of the power of coming together for a shared purpose.

For those interested in joining the CAPS committee or supporting future events, Hider encourages reaching out. “Whether it’s helping out at the event, collecting auction items, or serving on the planning committee — there’s a place for everyone. We’d love to have you.”

Feature Image: CAPS Committee members pose for a photo with distinguished guests at the event on Sunday. (Back row, from left to right) Incoming Superintendent Tom Bennett, AUSD Board Member Vy Pierce, CAPS Secretary Felisha Imhoff, CAPS President Carrie White, CAPS Committee Volunteer Matt Pennon, CAPS Treasurer Roni DeCoster, Councilmember Susan Funk, AUSD Board Member Tracy Ellis-Weit, and AUSD Superintendent Tom Butler. (Front row) Former Mayor and SLO County Supervisor Heather Moreno, and Atascadero Mayor Charles Bourbeau. Not pictured CAPS Chair Nicole Hider. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN