Austwell-Tivoli Lions Club sponsored a drawing to benefit the A-T Elementary School. The children and community members sold tickets for two weeks and brought in a total of $3,053 donations.

“The communities of Austwell and Tivoli once again demonstrated their generosity and support of their schools,” said Stephen Maldonado, principal. “Family and friends from far away contributed to the success of the drawing as did several very generous benefactors who gave large donations.”

Students leading in sales are Maria Ruiz, Sergio Ruiz, and Joseph Deleon.

Maria, a kindergarten student won $100 for first prize; fifth grader Sergio, came in second place, $75; and Joseph, a sixth grader was given $50 for third place.

“This fund raiser is for the kids,” said Lions Club secretary/treasurer, Dwight “Sir” Mutchler. “We will now have the funds to continue to make sure that eye glasses, and other means of support are available to our local kids.”

As a result of the success of the drawing, the students will all receive a spirit T-shirt celebrating their exemplary status. The funds will also support on-going activities such as field trips, special holiday projects, and school supplies.

“I want to make sure that everyone knows that we are grateful for our family and friends for their continued support of our great little school,” Maldonado said.

Drawing winners are: Maria Cardona, $200 from A-T Elementary Faculty; Cecilia Fagan and Cindy Burris each won a fishing trip for two from Charlie Chan/Aqua Fish Farm worth $150; David Rathkamp and Matias Canales both won a $100 savings bond from First Victoria National Bank; Maria Guerra, Angela Ruddock CFP, $100 savings bond; Angie Ruddock, $100 from Refugio County Retired School Personnel; Arnold Canales, $100 from Refugio County Federal Credit Union; Renette Todd, $75 plant from McAdams Florist; Jimmy Jackson, $50 cap from Bobs Leather Shop/Austwell; Mike Ramos, $40 dinner for two at Pelicans Wharf Restaurant; Paula Schultz, tire rotation and oil change from Firestone of Port Lavaca; Sany Allen, $30 dinner from Olive Garden Italian Restaurant; Carmen Tijerina, $30 book from Waldenbooks; Alfred Molina, $25 gift certificate from Halepaska Bakery; Butch Hopper, $25 gift certificate from The Grapevine; Paul Rodriguez, $25 gift certificate from WalMart; Domingo Saenz, $25 gift certificate from Office Depot; Marily Cady, $25 dinner for two at Sky Restaurant; Leticia Ruiz, $25 dinner for two at Chili’s; Steve De La Cruz, a Pagel’s Tivoli Produce gift basket; Cecil Brooks, Golden Corral, dinner for two; Lucas Hernandez, $20 gift card from Vera Cruz Restaurant; Amber Driehl, $20 dinner for two at Casa Ole Restaurant; Lynn Edge, Friday night steak dinner for two at Joe’s Outback; Lashon Battles, ice chest from Hlavinka Equipment Co.; Bryson Archangel, dinner for two, La Hacienda Mexican Cafe; Carlos Solis, two appetizers at Tejas Cafe & Bar; Nathan Tijerina, two kid’s meal and dessert at Johnny Carinos,; Gus Olascaga, cookie cake at Great American Cookie; Bethany Brandt, cookie bouquet from Cookies by Design; Deena Gesitman, two $5 certificates from Red Lobster Restaurant.