JACKPOT!
'Friends' raise $45,000 for Oak Park schools

GIRLS' BEST FRIEND- Above, Lori Yacobian, left, and Monica Spiro, board members for the Friends of Oak Park Schools nonprofit, show off a diamond and ruby necklace before it's put up for bid in a live auction last Saturday at the organization's "Viva Las Vegas" fundraiser. Proceeds from the fourth annual event, which was held at the North Ranch Country Club, will help pay for the Oak Park district's elementary school music program and to fund a districtwide science specialist. Dole Food Company served as the presenting sponsor. SCIENCE EXPERT- Above, teacher Debby West addresses the guests at the Jan. 19 dinner, dance and auction. The event raised funds to finance West's position as science specialist for all the grades in the Oak Park Unified School District. No. 3, Friends of Oak Park Schools board member Dhana Stevens wins one of the 10 live auction items. Prizes included a trip to Jackson Hole, Wyo., a two-night package at the Four Seasons Hotel and tickets to the 2008 Grammys. WINNERS- "Viva Las Vegas" guests enjoy the fun as they support local education. No. 4, Oak Park resident Bill Osborn places a silent auction bid on a Brett Favre Green Bay Packers jersey, which eventually sold for more than $700. No. 5, Oak Park residents Shereen and David Flamer celebrate after beating the house in a game of blackjack. No. 6, Sue Wilson, left and Erin Kutmick congratulate each other after winning a pair of tickets to see an upcoming Bon Jovi concert at the Staples Center. No. 7, Friends of Oak Park Schools board member and event organizer Barry Myerson rolls the dice at the craps table. "Every one being here shows your commitment to the 'little district that could,'" Myerson told the audience. Photos by Jann Hendry Text by Sally Carpenter and John Loesing