We're excited to invite each and every one of you to join us for EIP virtually this year on May 9, from the comfort of your home, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
 
You may wonder why we are moving forward at this time, particularly with the realization that we have families who have been negatively impacted financially from the effects of this pandemic, while knowing that for all of us, the future impact remains unknown.
 
That "unknown" is exactly why we need to move forward with EIP. Although EIP has always been a great party and opportunity for us to celebrate together, its primary purpose has been to raise funds to help the school and our students in a variety of ways. This need for funds is still very real and is needed now, perhaps more than ever before. 
 
To emphasize that need, we are pleased to announce that all donations to this year's Fund A Need at EIP will go toward the Académie Lafayette Families  GoFundMe  which is an effort to help our school provide for our families in need. 
 
Additional funds raised through the auctions and donations will go toward the school’s Annual Fund , which provides support for transportation, technology, art & music, sports, nurses and social workers, faculty and interns, library needs and general operating expenses. As a charter school, Académie Lafayette already receives less public funding per pupil than any other public school in KC, and our Annual Fund donations are important to help us cover that difference.
 
We know it's not the best time to ask people to give, but for those who are able, we have some great items available for bid in our silent and live auctions, including gift certificates, experiences, and of course one of the favorites each year – class art projects.
 
We also want you to know that we are approaching this with an abundance of sensitivity by confirming that those businesses that have provided sponsorships and auction items are still able to do so, and we are grateful for their extended generosity.
 
Whether or not you’re in a position to give at this time, we hope you’ll get comfortable, grab a drink and attend our virtual EIP, invite friends and family across the country and the globe to attend, and help make this the most unique EIP in history.
 
Updates on the event can be found at  eveninginpariskc.com  and on  Facebook !
 
Sincerely,
The PTO and EIP Committee