By Alexis Tuttle, Chair of Fundraising Committee, Amidon-Bowen PTA

Principal TaMikka Sykes, Rose Shelton, Allison Harvey, Lisa Curtis, Adom Cooper, Thelma Jones, Councilmember Charles Allen, Robert St. Cyr, Erica Walker, Denise Woodson, Bruce DarConte, Marty Welles, ANC Commissioner Anthony Dale; Photo by Willem Dicke

The 2019 Southwest Soirée for Amidon-Bowen Elementary School (ABES) was a tremendous success! Thank you to all the sponsors, community members and Amidon families who attended and participated! The event, held on May 18 at the Capital Yacht Club, brought together close to 200 community members across all of Southwest, including neighborhood and DC leaders, to support Amidon-Bowen students and the school. Together we raised nearly $35,000 in critical funds for Amidon-Bowen, an amount that exceeded our goal and expectations. 

Tom Sherwood, Southwest neighbor and respected Political Analyst and reporter, was Master of Ceremonies. An inspiring performance from the Amidon-Bowen Choir, conducted by 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award Winner Ms. Para Perry, was an emotional reminder of what the community had come together to support. ABES Principal TaMikka Sykes spoke about school academic and infrastructure improvements and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen highlighted how unique the Southwest Soirée was, by bringing together the entire community, not just school families. Amidon-Bowen also thanks the DC Fire and EMS Department for providing a ceremonial salute to the attendees with the Fire Boat water cannons. It was a great way to kick-off the festivities right before the Amidon-Bowen choir performed.

Proceeds from the gala help to ensure that all students have access to high-quality educational experiences, that our teachers can take advantage of career-advancing professional development opportunities, and that our classrooms are stocked with the technology and materials needed for all children to succeed. The Soiree is just one way the community supports the school. To learn about other year-round opportunities to support ABES, contact amidonpta@gmail.com. We’re building a stronger community together.

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