Baldwin Park Elementary PTA hosts 2021 Shindig

The highly anticipated Baldwin Park Elementary PTA “Shindig … Fresh Squeezed” brought together parents, staff, teachers and community members to raise money for the school and its students.

Held Friday, Oct. 15, at the intersection of Kenan Lane and Meeting Place in Baldwin Park, the event featured an auction, games, a deejay and dance floor, food, drinks, and plenty of fun.

A Chef’s Tasting Dinner for Four at The Osprey, a Corkcickle package, a private flight and aviation tour by Shelter Family Aviation, and a Golf Twosome at the Ritz Carlton were only a handful of the many auction items available for bidding.

Stephanie Harley, the Baldwin Park Elementary PTA vice president of communications, says the annual event traditionally raises about $50,000 for the school, which enables the PTA to enhance student programs and resources.

This year is the first year the event was held outside.

“Due to COVID, we wanted to make the event as fun — but also as safe as we possibly could,” Harley says. “It has been so nice seeing the community come out and support one of its local schools, especially since some of us neighbors haven’t seen each other since the pandemic began.”

Baldwin Park Elementary PTA President Jessica Barrows says although hosting the event outside was a lot more work, it was all worth it.

“I am so incredibly proud and honored to have this special group of people and a school and a community that support us,” Barrows says. “It was truly a team effort and a night none of us will ever forget.”