EVERETT — The Everett Public Schools Foundation is hosting its free annual fundraiser benefit this month at the Everett Civic Auditorium on Wednesday, March 19, featuring the premiere of “Iliana Jones and the Lost Donation.” The 28-minute parody film, inspired by Indiana Jones, follows Iliana and her two friends, Markie and Tall Square, on a quest to recover a “lost donation” stolen by two henchmen and their boss. Cascade students Lily West (senior), Gunner Tumlin (junior), and Ryan Nelson (sophomore) star as the trio.
The Foundation aims to raise $100,000 in donations this year to support its various programs, which provide critical resources for students, teachers, and families in the Everett school district. Attendees can expect a lively evening, with the Cascade High School marching band performing outside the auditorium and the Everett High School photography club acting as the event’s “paparazzi.”
Founded in 1985, for 30 years, it previously hosted a brunch benefit, but organizers pivoted to movie premieres when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person gatherings. “Iliana Jones and the Lost Donation” marks the third film in this annual tradition.
The scripts are written by Jackson High School assistant principal Erik Heinz, who is also on the Foundation’s board. The students filmed throughout the district at Memorial Stadium, the Community Resource Center and Cascade High School.
“One of the key important things this year is that we have not had a female lead, and it was important to us that we had a female lead this time. So this is our first female lead,” said Kay Fantin, the foundation’s director.
With more than 20,000 students in the Everett district, Fantin emphasized the broad impact of donations. Funds raised help provide essential items and services, including bedding for families in need, job interview training for students, personal hygiene supplies, social workers, summer school tuition, college tuition, and technical school tuition.
Last year, the foundation gave out around 119 scholarships to high school students attending universities, trade schools, and certification programs for different jobs. This year, the foundation hopes to award 100 scholarships.
“Our mission is that every student has the resources for their success—not what we think success is, but what they think their success is,” Fantin said.
She shared the story of one student who struggled with anxiety and was able to access an online yoga class thanks to the foundation’s support.
“The student’s mom sent us a lovely letter about how amazing it was, not only for her daughter, who entered middle school and is doing terrific, but also for her,” Fantin said.
The premiere is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19 at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It will last about an hour and will have popcorn and candy to add to the movie premiere experience. If you miss it, a second showing will be Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m. at the school district headquarters called the Community Resource Center, address is 3900 Broadway.
