A successful night for Sonoma Valley’s Red & White Ball

The town turned out in force for last Saturday’s Red & White Ball in the plaza.|

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation chalked up another successful fundraiser for local students on Saturday night. Close to 1,000 revelers and volunteers packed the Plaza wearing red and white.

Since 1993, the powerhouse nonprofit has raised almost $10 million for the public schools of Sonoma Valley.

To get guests in the mood for the evening’s Fund a Need auction, several students took the stage to speak about their positive experiences in Sonoma Valley schools including recent SVHS graduates Maddy Libbey and Adam Curry, current senior Jose Saldana Zamora and current SVHS sophomore Ava Ronglien.

Dixie Giants, a Dixieland band featuring Sonoma Valley High School band teacher Casey Jones, played prior to dinner and the ‘80s cover band Wonder Bread 5 played until the party closed down at 10 p.m. The paella-centered dinner was created by Glen Ellen Star chef Ari Weiswasser, in collaboration with Stellar Catering.

“The 2016 Red & White Ball was the most successful fundraising event ever held on behalf of the public schools of Sonoma Valley,” said SVEF executive director Laura Zimmerman. “This year, proceeds from the evening, featuring a robust fund a need, topped $300,000. The total gross income will be available a little later in the week.”

Sallie Kyle-Moore, who co-chaired the event with Michelle Rulmont, commented about the impact of the ball saying, “It is the one night the town comes together to celebrate every public school in the Valley as one community investing in the future of our students.”

SVEF board chair Deb Garber added, “We are so blessed to live in a town that truly supports our kids and public education.”

Next year the Ball will be held on Saturday Aug. 26, 2017.

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