Red & White all over

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The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation is set to rock the horseshoe on Saturday, August 20 when the venerable Red & White Ball returns to the Plaza.  The dance party begins at 6 p.m. with Dave Martin’s House Party Band and continues throughout the night with delicious food, Valley wine and goodies from the Sonoma Valley School Gardens project.

The event will benefit the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, which will funnel all proceeds back into local schools.  SVEF Executive Director Laura Zimmerman is ready to get the party started.  “We are really grateful for the way our town circles around this event and also comes out to help our schools. We love the idea of everyone coming together on this one night in support of our schools, and I hope it is a wonderful evening for everyone.”

Inaugurated in 1990, the Red & White Ball has become a Sonoma institution.  A primarily locals event, the soiree has raised money for everything from a new sprinkler system for the historic Sebastiani Theatre to refurbishing the duck pond.  Over the years that the ball benefited the Plaza Foundation, the committee saw to it that everything on the City’s “wish list” was accomplished – to the tune of $825,000.  The foundation made donations to most of the Valley’s non-profits as well.

SVEF was founded in 1993 and has since invested more than $3.6 million into our local schools.  As a doorway between the community of Sonoma and the public schools, SVEF focuses on raising student achievement and enhancing teacher performance through strong effective programs.  The foundation has been responsive to the changing needs of the school district emphasizing literacy and the arts first and then addressing technology needs as the digital age took hold in our schools.

Ticket Information
For this year’s event, ticket reservations are required for all levels of participation.  There are three tiers of tickets for those looking to join the celebration:

The VIP table: $150 per person

An elegant catered, sit down ‘party within a party’ under the canopy of historic plaza trees including cocktail reception, a “farm to table” dinner featuring veggies from the School Garden Project, Sonoma’s finest wines and dessert.  Reserved seating ensures you’ll be sitting with your friends

The Picnic Party: $75 per person

Come celebrate the Red & White Ball in casual, festive style.  Organizers provide the tables, chairs and décor and a classic Sonoma style picnic dinner including, entree, cheese, bread, wine and more.  This ticket option also includes a School Garden treat and a special reusable bag.  Family style seating at reserved tables.

Dance Only D.I.Y. Zone: $25 per person

For just a few bucks, participants can still create an awesome Red & White celebration.  A special designated area has been set aside in the northeast corner of Plaza.  Ticket holders can set up their own tables and fixins’ and then dance the night away with the crowd.
For tickets, to donate or for more information, visit svgreatschools.org or call SVEF at 935.9566.
Photos by Melania Mahoney