Newsrooom

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

FrontRange Earth Force and Denver Public Schools' Ellis Elementary have teamed up to host Denver’s First Annual Green Harvest Silent Auction.  The event will take place from 5:00p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at Ellis Elementary located at 1651 S. Dahlia Street.  All event proceeds will support student-led, service-learning projects.  Admission is free, however, donations will be accepted.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support a great cause while doing your holiday shopping,” commented Lisa Bardwell, Executive Director of FrontRange Earth Force.  “There is an exciting assortment of items and services to bid on, all from environmentally responsible donors; and we are really excited to be able to raise money for our school environmental projects while also supporting environmentally products and services.”

The event, sponsored by Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP, Recycled Materials, and Panda Restaurant Corp, Inc. will support such award-winning programs as the following:

•  Strom Drain Pollution: An Ellis fifth grade class chose storm drain pollution as their issue and, after researching various pollutants, decided that one of the few things that was within the school's control was landscaping.  They researched using native plants and worked with a local landscape architect to learn which plants would be appropriate for their school garden.  They chose several native species of plants to add to the school's garden and then planted them alongside the landscape architect.

• Pet Waste on the Playground: Two Ellis Kindergarten classes team up to address the issue of dog waste on their playground.  They collaborated to choose six sites around the school campus where they could put waste pick-up stations. Then they worked to get a donation of orange containers and collected plastic bags from other students.  They partnered with the technology teacher to create a sign in English and Spanish that was then posted with the containers.

• Recycling: Ellis students are currently working to draft a 3-year recycling plan. This plan for the school community.  If this plan comes to fruition, Ellis may become a community recycling center for hard-to-recycle items, such as cell phones, printer cartridges, and CFL light bulbs.

• Greenprint Denver School: In collaboration with Earth Force Denver and Greenprint Denver, Ellis is working towards becoming designated as a “Greenprint School”.  As part of being a Greenprint Denver School, students will research 3 environmental issues at the school; and then plan and implement action-based solutions to address these issues. 

The event will host guests from throughout the Denver community, including families of Ellis students, friends of the school and FrontRange Earth Force, and a number of community leaders who support community-focused, service-learning.  Dinner and refreshments will be provided and the event is open to people of all ages.

“Ellis Elementary School has a proven record of commitment to the environment, including a student-run recycling program, solar panels, greenhouses, a bike rack and native landscaping on school grounds.  We are excited to have an opportunity to partner with FrontRange Earth Force to help continue the success of the student-led projects,” says Khoa Nguyen, principal of Ellis.

Some of the exciting items you can bid on include:

• Week for two at a Hyatt resort in Mexico, including airfare
• Week for two at Stevenswood Resort in California, including airfare
• Courtside seats to a Denver Nuggets game
• Restaurant gift certificates
• Handmade, local goods
• Children's bike
• Spa products
• Children's Toys

For more information, contact the Communications Office at 720-423-3414.