Lawrence High School alumnus keynote speaker at group's fundraising breakfast / LJWorld.com

Archive for Wednesday, July 25, 2007

July 25, 2007

Chuck Mead says Lawrence public schools play an important part in his roots.

Aside from having several family members teach or work in the district, the Nashville musician still proudly names off the schools he attended: Kaw Valley, Schwegler, South Junior High and Lawrence High.

The BR549 frontman will now try to lend a hand to Lawrence public schools in a few weeks. He will be keynote speaker for the Lawrence Schools Foundation's sixth annual Community Education Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 31 at the Lawrence Holidome, 200 McDonald Drive.

"It's a great organization that helps give extra funding to public schools that they desperately need," said Mead, a 1979 LHS graduate.

The foundation's fundraising goal is $50,000, after it raised $42,000 in 2006.

The charitable organization raises money to support Lawrence public schools, including to promote early childhood education. Last week, organizers had 32 sponsors and are aiming to beat the nearly 50 that chipped in last year.

Table sponsorships are available for $1,000. Other donations available are: table hosts for $600; small-business packages for $300; and individual tickets for $30. Last year, close to 500 people attended.

"It's just a real feel-good event, and I think it just generates even more interest to have community involvement in our public schools," said Susan Esau, executive director for the foundation.

Mead said he plans to speak and play guitar, possibly with a special guest.

"You all will have to come down and see who it is," he said.