Children's Education Alliance of Missouri's 
"Passport to Education Gala Celebration" a Success

Second-Annual Event Raises More than $50,000 for the Local Education Policy Organization

ST. LOUIS (Apr. 3, 2012) – The Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM) held its second-annual Passport to Education Gala Celebration Sat., Mar. 31, at the Xavier Ballroom in St. Francis Xavier College Church.  Dressed in their spring best, more than 120 guests gathered in support of the organization’s commitment to supporting public policies that encourage access to high quality educational options for all Missouri students.

The event raised nearly $50,000, which will help CEAM further its mission of engaging Missouri parents in the education of their children and in helping to chart our State’s course in education policy. In the past year, CEAM has helped bring to light the crises that many families in our state face when searching for a quality school for their child.  CEAM works with parents whose children are stuck in failed schools and parents of special learners struggling with educational bureaucracy, and shines a light on the enormous educational obstacles Missouri students and their parents are facing.

“We don’t just identify problems with our education system,” said Laura Slay, executive director, Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri.  “We work toward viable solutions by engaging parents, supporting teachers and expanding and improving education options for kids of all kinds. We are building a large network of informed, engaged and organized parents around the state. These parents now are equipped with knowledge and the skills to communicate with other parents, elected officials and the media about what they believe is best for their children.”

The event’s theme is closely tied to “Passport to the Central West End,” a month-long local merchant discount event being held in May.  In keeping with the event’s “Passport to Education” theme, attendees chose from a selection of foods from around the country, including New York Sliders and St. Louis Toasted Ravioli.  Radio personality John Carney led the live auction, where popular items included “Dinner for Eight at Remy’s Kitchen and Wine Bar,” and “Host Your Own Sommelier Wine Tasting for 12.”

Additionally, a fun highlight of the event carried through from last year, the Mouse Races were back by popular demand and provided much entertainment as guests placed bets on mice during six action-packed heats.

Brian and Nina Murphy show excitement after mouse, Frodo, pulls out a win. Vince and Patti Mannino are also enjoying the evening, despite not betting on Frodo.

Those in attendance included Missouri Senator Jane Cunningham; Former County Executive Gene McNary and his wife, Susan; Rachel Keller Brown, co-founder of Pelopidas; Hope and Sam McPheeters, co-founders of Ella’s Hope, a non-profit working to spread awareness of Autism; Marie Carlie of Stone Carlie; De La Salle Middle School President Corey Quinn and wife, Amanda; Kate Casas, State Director of the Children's Education Alliance of Missouri and her husband, Martin Casas, Missouri state house candidate; Vince Mannino of RG Ross and his wife, Patti; Carolyn Cash, President of Cash Financial Group; Tyler Alcorn, Principal at The Ashcroft Group; David Schmid, Vice President of Institutional Services Group at Regions Morgan Keegan; Shonagh Clements, General Council at Aboussie & Associates; Brian Murphy, head of BAM Contracting and his wife, Nina; and Nina Abboud of Wings Enterprises, Inc.

About CEAM

Our Mission: The Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri supports public policies that encourage access to high quality educational options for all Missouri students, including those who do not succeed in a traditional setting.  With help from CEAM, the education reform movement continues to grow in Missouri.  A recent Missouri Supreme Court ruling that upheld a 1993 law has pushed education reform to the forefront of the political landscape.  The historic Turner v. Clayton case has forced residents in the St. Louis area, where there are two unaccredited districts, to grapple with the issues of underperforming educational systems. Families living in unaccredited school districts have few affordable options for high quality schools. The court’s upholding of this previously little-known law means students in failed schools may soon have more high quality educational options close to home.  The Turner case and a subsequent suit filed by a group of St. Louis City firefighters have awakened many to the critical need for better options families living in poor performing districts.

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