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Cape charter schools gear up for annual rally

3 min read

The classic cars are back. This year there will be trucks, too.

The popular car show and free concert are the top features for the 4th annual Charter School Authority Rally on March 26 at the German American Club. It’s the school system’s major fundraiser of the year.

“The funds this year will help us install new Chromebooks in the schools,” said Charter School superintendent Nelson Stephenson. “It’s our major fundraiser where we try to help meet the financial obligations of the schools. The rally tickets represent the biggest portion of the fundraising.”

“We’ve had more support this year than ever before,” said event chair Jami Dimaria. “We’ve had a lot of participation already from the four schools and the parents. Every year we’ve beaten the previous year’s fundraising total and I’m confident we will raise the most money ever this year. We’re really excited about the entertainment this year.”

There will be live local and professional entertainment on stage throughout the rally, which runs from noon until 6 p.m. Four-time grammy nominated country recording artist Joe Nichols is slated to perform at 5 p.m. Other performers include the Ben Allen Band, Trezz Hombres, and Shake, Rattle and Soul.

“We have activities for the kids to adults,” said Stephenson. “We have food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides and games.”

Wristbands for the carnival rides are available in advance at any of the charter schools now through March 16 at a $5 discount off the regular $20 price and the under 50-inch rider’s $15 wristband price.

More than 25 prizes will be given away topped by the grand prize vacation package to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Other prizes include a four-night stay in Bimini, Bahamas; tickets to Disney World; a party for 30 at Woody’s Bar & Grill; a six-night stay in Key West; multiple fishing charter excursions and much more.

“We have a mechanical bull ride this year,” said Dimaria. “The best rider wins a chance to go into the Achieva Credit Union money machine.”

Prize winners announced at the rally need not be present with the exception of the Achieva money machine prize.

Cape Coral specialty response vehicles will be on display and parents can take advantage of a free baby car seat check station.

“The rally has grown tremendously,” said Stephenson. “This is my third one. It is a perfect illustration of what our charter system is all about. It showcases the system to the entire community. It’s also an opportunity for the public to win some nice prizes.”

For more information visit www.charterauthorityrally.org.