Saint Mark’s Saturday Gala To Honor Its Own

Saint Mark Lutheran School will honor two key figures in the school ohana’s history and mission Saturday during a benefit gala at the Pacific Club.

Kindergarten teacher JoAnn Gundermann has devoted nearly a half-century to teaching kindergarteners at the school – and she’s still doing it. Regarded as “an unbelievable teacher,” Gundermann has given more than 1,000 children a good start in life since joining the faculty in 1967. “She’s the reason people choose to go to St. Mark’s,” declared school parent Sharene Chun. (Gunder-mann’s husband Milton also served as the church pastor.)

As parent whose three adult sons were once in Gundermann’s classroom, the “amazingly humble” Frank Tanaka continues to help the school and church long after his boys graduated from Saint Mark (in the early 1990s). He is especially active in the church’s Family Promise effort and weekly food bank distribution.

The fourth annual gala begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes live and silent auctions, dinner and entertainment. Tickets cost $85, and proceeds support financial aid and the computer technology program.

For more information, call 247-5589.