35. Hough Street School Hosts 16th Annual Parents’ Time Out

Hough principal Jim Aalfs opened the evening by offering his thanks to the Hough parent community and thanking them for their support, noting that the donations made to the PTO go directly to improve students’ educational experiences.

The event, which raised over $43,000, is a favorite mid-winter break for Hough parents, teachers and staff. Following the “Come Sail Away” theme, funds raised will be used to purchase shade-providing sails for the kindergarten playground. Hough lost many trees last year due to the Emerald Ash Borer, creating a need for shade for the school’s youngest students.

Funds will also be used to retrofit the school’s drinking fountains with water bottle refill stations, in keeping with Barrington 220’s goal of creating healthy and environmentally sustainable schools. Lastly, money raised will fund PTO-sponsored events throughout the year, such as author visits, assemblies, and Hough’s annual back-to-school BBQ.

Hough Street School owes a debt of gratitude to all of the Barrington businesses who contributed to the event’s decor, raffle, silent auction, live auction, and entertainment. The fabulous floral arrangements and centerpieces were designed by Hyla Guerriere, local designer and Hough parent, and donated by The Barrington Flower Shop. A stunning ring donated by Long & Co. Jewelers was the coveted prize for the impact raffle. Entertainment by acoustic guitarist Kevin Spica and music by Bob the DJ was sponsored by the Wickstrom Auto Group.

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The evening’s live auction items included Hough Street family-hosted dinners, court side Chicago Bulls tickets, behind-the-plate Cubs tickets and Press Box Tour, a Michigan getaway, Lake Geneva getaways, and more. Silent auction items included a signed Bobby Hull Blackhawks jersey, signed David Beckham jersey and ball, Blackhawks and Bears tickets, Walter Payton autographed memorabilia, and an Instant Wine Cellar.

Hough students also helped raise funds for their school: an auction of classroom art pieces, designed by Lori Weyburn and created by Hough students, raised over $1,300.

Some creative Hough students attended the event to raise money for other, less fortunate children too. Hough Street School is home to district 220’s Extended Self-Contained program, and students from Mrs. Nelson and Mrs. Haney’s classes designed and sewed fleece hats to be sold at the event. Each $10 “Hat for Hope” sold raised enough money to feed a child for 6 weeks.

“We have this poster in our school that says that over 6,200 children die each day from hunger,” said 4th-grader Savannah Roach. “I think that’s pretty shocking, and wanted to find a way to try to stop it.”

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“Come Sail Away” was co-chaired by PTO members Kelley Schauenberg and Sarah Goitein, who were quick to credit their dedicated committee members: Andee Blomquist, Chris Bradley, Mara Bregenzer, Annmarie Dymon, Wendy Farley, Kim Gray, Hyla Guerriere, Kristy Habeck, Debra Johnson, Rachel Sepe, Jenny Shannon, Dawn VanRyn, and Lori Weyburn all served on the event committee.