Red & White Ball goes back online for 2021

Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s signature event includes matching dollars, gift bags and an online auction, all for local schools.|

The popular Red & White Ball, an annual celebration of our schools, is once again taking its fundraising goals online this year due to the pandemic, with activities to watch throughout August. Honoring the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, donations will benefit student-focused initiatives.

“The generosity of our community at the Red & White Ball has been significant over the years, and we are hopeful that this year will be no different, particularly as the needs of our children and students are more amplified coming out of the pandemic and distance learning,” said Angela Ryan, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation. “Revenue generated at this year’s event will be directed to helping students recover from a tumultuous past year, by making possible preschool, after-school and weekend programs. With the support of our generous community, together we can help ensure our kids catch-up, recover and thrive this year.”

Beginning the first week of August, Red & White Ball sponsors are poised to match all donations up to $60,000, including some special triple match days. Individuals who make a gift of $250 or more before Aug. 20 will receive a special Red & White Ball party bag, which they can pick up at a festive Pick-Up Party in the Plaza horseshoe on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 3-5 p.m.

An online auction will run the full week of Aug. 23-29, featuring unique lots, including local and remote vacation getaways, exclusive wine and spirits tasting opportunities, private events featuring food and entertainment and more.

The Red & Wall Ball has historically benefited a wide array of student programming. On the heels of the federal and state COVID funding made available to school districts to bolster resources during the school day, SVEF has an opportunity to creatively and strategically direct revenue to other areas where students have been impacted by the pandemic. This will ensure that there are programs and opportunities to help recapture “beyond the bell” learning and social-emotional development.

For more information about the event or to donate, contact Caroline Brown at caroline@svgreatschools.org. For more information, visit svgreatschools.org.

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