Apr 8, 2016 By Harry Funk 2 min read

The Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education is looking for a repeat of last year’s inaugural Taste of Lebo fundraiser.

“We really were pleased with the turnout,” Cissy Bowman, school district director of communications, said. Even though 2015 marked the first time for the event, all the available tickets were sold.

The 2016 version is scheduled from 2-5 p.m. April 16 at the Clearview Common area off Washington Road and extending throughout the Uptown Business District.

The featured attraction is the Battle of the Appetizers, in which a dozen Mt. Lebanon restaurants will feature their fare, with those who sample voting for their favorites. Defending champion Jade Grille is returning.

The school district’s food service department also will have samples available from Michael Kelly, in front of Washington Elementary. And back at Clearview Common, student musical groups will perform throughout the afternoon.

Mt. Lebanon merchants have donated items for gift baskets as part of the fundraising activities, which include selling a special item.

“We have new stadium blankets that will become available for sale at the event,” Sloane Astorino, Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education executive director, said. “They’re really nice and plush, with the Mt. Lebanon logo.”

The foundation provides financial support to the district, most notably with Expanding the Boundaries of Learning grants to teachers who develop innovative classroom projects.

“The program is gaining a lot of momentum,” Dale Ostergaard, foundation president, said. “We’re seeing increased applications for grant proposals.”

Recipients for 2015 included high school teacher Andrew Kuskil, toward the purchase of a three-dimensional printing prototyping package, and Karen Auslander at Howe Elementary, for multimedia tools including desktop microphones and a portable green screen.

“They’re exited about it, just really appreciative,” Ostergaard said about the teachers.

The foundation’s board includes educators, parents, alumni and three students: Marie Erickson, Sarah Porter and Blair Proteau.

“We like having them at board meetings,” Ostergaard said. “When we need to understand the students’ perspective, they’re right there, ready to contribute.”

For more information about the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education and the second annual Taste of Lebo, visit www.mtlsd.org/page.cfm?p=1128.