Mary Clare Wadding from the Austin Public Education Foundation called me the other day about the Floor on the Wall. Because that word combination — “floor on the wall” — is a bit unusual, it took me a moment to catch on.

The first note on my pad says, “Flower under wall?”

The second says, “Flour on the wall?”

Eventually I got it right. The Floor On The Wall. The one at the high school.

APEF raises funds to support local public education, specifically activities and projects that wouldn’t take place within the regular school budget. Besides its popular summer golf tournament, the Floor on the Wall is a big part of APEF’s support.

It is also very nearly unique. Here’s the information Mary sent me about The Floor:

“The old gymnasium of Austin High School served our community for over 72 years, hosting everything from sporting events to prom, creating many fond memories.  In 1993, the old gym was replaced with the current Richard Eberhart Media Center as part of a massive remodeling project.

“Many hours of volunteer labor were spent stripping the old finish off and cleaning the boards of the old gym’s solid maple floor.  Each board was carefully positioned on the wall between the two gyms to create what is now known as The Floor on the Wall.

“The wall contains recognition plates that can be purchased to honor the past and present of Austin High. It encompasses the names of many people who are appreciated for their contributions to education in Austin. It also honors family members who attended AHS. Many reunion committees contribute to honor their graduating class.  It’s a great way to pay tribute to someone who has made a difference:  a student, teacher, coach, or parent. It’s the gift that keeps on giving…a permanent visible tribute.

“An individual or family with a $250 donation or more, or any business or organization with a $500 donation, will be recognized with a plaque on the wall.

“The proceeds from The Floor on the Wall go directly into an endowment fund through the Austin Public Education Foundation.  The foundation has two endowment funds: the James and Joanne Huntting Endowment which funds grants for education and the Packer Endowment which funds extra curricular activities. The interest generated from these endowments are used to fund grant requests. The gift that keeps on giving … A perfect tribute.

“For more information about The Floor on the Wall and photos go to www.apefoundation-ahsalumni.org  or contact Mary Clare Wadding mary.wadding@austin.k12.mn.us or 605-310-6663.”

Thanks for the heads-up on this, Mary. A plaque on The Floor on the Wall sounds like the perfect gift for those hard-to-buy-for folks.