By Mary-Justine Lanyon

This Saturday, May 20, the Lake Arrowhead Cooperative Preschool will hold its annual spring fundraiser at the school, located at 351 Highway 173.

This year, the fundraiser is more important than ever to the preschool as the school was recently the victim of theft.

“We have recently discovered that a former member of our team has stolen school funds they were not entitled to,” said Director Jodie Auten. “The preschool is a victim of embezzlement with our bank account completely drained, along with bills not paid, leaving us with fees and fines beyond our capability to pay back. We are in desperate need of our community’s help!”

The school will be hosting an auction from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the adults and a movie night, which will start at the same time, for the kids. Some of the auction donors include Red Cabin Restaurant, Candi’s Hair Salon, Mountain Life Supply, Angel City, Arrowhead Lake Association, Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Apex Gym, 4ntent Mental Strength Coaching, Lake Arrowhead Queen, The Parlour Room, Altitude Physical Therapy and Fitness, Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa, Village Ice Cream & Sweet Shoppe.

“As so many current and former parents can attest to,” Auten said, “our school has been an incredible place that has nurtured our children and made them excited to learn. The Co-op is a staple of our community, and has been for over 60 years, but due to one dishonest person, the future of the school is in jeopardy.

“Please know every safeguard has been put into place to ensure nothing like this is ever repeated,” Auten added.

A GoFundMe account has been established to help get the school back on its feet. To make a contribution, visit gofundme.com/f/lake-arrowhead-cooperative-preschool.

Auten urges folks to come and have some fun on Saturday night. The suggested donation for admission is $5 at the door; children 2 and under are free. A simple dinner will be available for a fee.

The preschool is located at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church, 351 Highway 173.