Committee for Atascadero Public Schools returns as nonprofit, schedules May 18 'Bingo Bash to raise classroom grants

The Committee for Atascadero Public Schools (CAPS) told the Atascadero Unified board on April 1 that it has reconstituted as an independent 501(c)(3) and plans a spring fundraiser to resume classroom grant-making across the district.

Carrie White, CAPS chairperson, said the volunteer-run nonprofit has provided teacher grants and budget-gap support for almost 20 years and has now completed incorporation after previously operating under the Atascadero Greyhound Foundation. CAPS is holding a Bingo Bash fundraiser on Sunday, May 18 at the Zoo Garden event center. Registration and preorders begin at 1:30 p.m.; play runs through the afternoon. A limited number of cards will be sold at $50 for 15 games, and the event will include a silent auction with rolling stages of items.

Ronnie De Castro, CAPS treasurer, said the organization averages roughly 100 grants per year totaling about $65,000 annually and expects this year's fundraising push to help the group reach a cumulative milestone near $1 million in grants to teachers. Nicole Hyder, CAPS grant chair, described how grants are awarded: funds from the event are tallied, divided per capita among district campuses and then allocated by each school site in consultation with principals and teachers. The grant-application process is a blind review by three retired teachers (one each for elementary, middle and high school) who evaluate applications for reach and impact.

CAPS asked the board and the public to help by providing auction items or serving as a site champion at each campus to coordinate donations. The group said families and volunteers can pre-order bingo cards online, attend the May 18 event, or contribute auction items and baskets.

Trustees thanked CAPS and said the district will help promote the event.