Pierce Parent Asks Birmingham to 'Bet On Our Youth' at March Fundraiser

You don't have to go all the way across the country but this February, Birmingham residents and parents can enjoy a little Las Vegas escape all the while raising money for Birmingham students.

The Pierce Elementary Parent Teachers Students Association (PTSA) will be raising money for Pierce students at Betting On Our Youth, a fundraiser to be held March 8 at the Townsend Hotel.

During the fundraiser, parents, residents and business owners are invited to come out, do a little bit of gambling, eat, dance and give back.

All the proceeds will be donated to technology purchases and other enrichment programs at Pierce, including the effort to put an iPad in every classroom.

The event was the brainchild of Ryan Abney, the head of Pierce PTSA's fundraising committee. A professional event planner with a daughter in kindergarten at Pierce, Abney wanted to find a way to raise money for Pierce and give parents an excuse to have fun at the same time.

"I thought, wouldn't it be fun to a casino night?" Abney said.

Abney said the group hopes to raise between $10,000-$20,000 at the event, which will include a dozen gambling tables, a silent auction, food and cocktails and a DJ. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until midnight.

Prizes for the silent auction, Abney said, include several Carribbean vacations, Disney tickets and several pieces of art donated by a local gallery.

According to Abney, the PTSA's technology goal is centered around iPads. Currently, every fourth grade classroom at Pierce has an iPad. The rest of the money will be spent on enrichment programs that get kids outside and moving, Abney said.

For this first-time mom, Abney said planning Betting On Our Kids has been more fun than stressful.

"It's funny because I really do enjoy doing this," she said. "It's been fun reaching out to some national companies and getting some good responses back from them."

Tickets for Betting On Our Youth are $75 each. Sponsoring the event is Bank of Birmingham, Meadowbrook Urgent Care, Troy's Dean Sellers Ford Dealership and the Northwest Dermatology Group in Southfield.