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Red & White Ball raises $150,000

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation announced that the 2012 Red and White Ball, held on the Plaza Aug. 18, helped raise $150,000 to support educational programs in Sonoma Valley schools.

More than 750 guests flocked to the Plaza to raise funds for programs that advance academic achievement, enjoyed fine wine and danced into the night to David Martin’s House Party Band and the Cork Pullers.

The winning raffle ticket for a Fiat Pop was Rosalinda Mamuyac who drove the car home Saturday night.

“What wonderful community support. It’s so great to see the town come out and double the proceeds from last year,” said Laura Zimmerman, SVED executive director.

A VIP dinner was created by Chef Chris Ludwick of Grapevine Catering and featured fresh produce grown in Sonoma Valley school gardens.

Master barbecue chef “Big Jim,” of Big Jim’s BBQ, cooked on site for the picnic party and dozens of parent, teacher and school administration volunteers and Sonoma Valley High School alumni helped make the event a success.

Since 1993, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation has raised more than $4.5 million for the public schools in Sonoma Valley.

The mission of the foundation 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 Elementary School, the Teacher Support Network at Sonoma Valley High School and the district-wide School Garden program.