Community Corner

Red and White Ball Raises $150,000 for Sonoma Valley Schools

The next big fundraising event for the education foundation is the B.R. Cohn Charity Fall Music Festival.

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation announces that its Red and White Ball on Aug. 18 at Sonoma Plaza helped raise $150,000 to support educational programs in Sonoma Valley schools.

Over 750 guests enjoyed fine wine and dancing to performances by David Martin’s House Party Band and The Cork Pullers (featuring El Verano School teacher Tim Curley). The winning raffle ticket for the FIAT POP was drawn and the winner, Rosalinda Mamuyac, drove the car home Saturday night with a big smile on her face, according to a news release.

“What wonderful community support; it’s so great to see the town come out and double the proceeds from last year,” enthused SVED Executive Director Laura Zimmerman.

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A sumptuous VIP dinner was created by Chef Chris Ludwick of Grapevine Catering and featured fresh produce grown in the Sonoma Valley school gardens. The master BBQ chef ’Big Jim’ of Big Jim’s BBQ cooked on site for the Picnic Party.

Parents, teachers and school administrators volunteered along with Sonoma Valley High School alumni John Witbrodt, Emily Hawing, Abbey Lee, and Gerardo Guzman.

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“It was an amazing evening and we as a school community are extremely appreciative! Thank you people of Sonoma!" Superintendent of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Louann Carlomagno, Honorary Chair of the event said.

Last year, proceeds were distributed to Exploratorium Science in all local elementary schools, VTS art for elementary students and The School Garden Project, which is now at all public and charter schools. The gardens now provide produce for the school cafeterias. Funds also went to the Teacher Support Network Volunteer Program at Sonoma Valley High School which helps bring more than 60 volunteers to the high school each week to assist in classes, the administration office and the College and Career Center.  Additionally, Red and White Ball funds were also shared with the PTO's at each school and the Sonoma Valley High School Boosters Club.

Since 1993, The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation has raised over $4.5 million for valley public schools. The foundation's purpose is to make sure every student graduates well-prepared for college and career. 

Currently the foundation funds the Exploratorium Science Program and the Visual Thinking Strategies Art Program in five local elementary schools, plus Preschool for all at El Verano School, the Teacher Support Network at Sonoma Valley High School and the district wide School Garden Program.

Looking ahead on the SVEF calendar, the next big event is the 26th Annual B.R Cohn Charity Events Fall Music Festival, Charity Auction/Celebrity Chef Wine Dinner and Golf Tournament. Over the Oct. 5-8 weekend, BR Cohn Charity Events will be featuring the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation as one of the beneficiary charities. Over the years the event has raised nearly $6 million for deserving veteran’s and children’s charities and has featured some of the biggest names in music. For more information visit www.brcohn.com.

You can visit the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation online at www.svgreatschools.org or by phone Laura Zimmerman (707) 935-9566.


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