Red and White Ball gets dancing Aug. 26

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s seventh annual Red & White Ball will take over the Plaza on Saturday, Aug. 26.

“This is the ultimate night for our schools,” says Sonoma Valley Education Foundation executive director Deb Garber. “This night is about community, our schools and most importantly, our students.”

More than 700 guests dressed in red and white are expected to converge on downtown to dine, dance and raise a paddle for Sonoma Valley schools, beginning at 5 p.m.

“Every single student and every single school will benefit from the Ball,” said Garber. “Our focus is on the future, by enriching the educational experience of all 4,600 of our students from early childhood literacy to college and career readiness.”

Red & White Ball Chair Sallie Kyle-Moore added: “From the SVHS culinary department appetizers to tantalize our palates, to the highly-anticipated Transcendence Theatre Company guest appearance – it’s everything you love about the ball and more!”

Chef Ari Weiswasser and Bruce Riezenman of Stellar Catering Sonoma will prepare the dinner, and Pop Rocks, the dance band from San Francisco will perform.

Tickets for dinner and dancing are $175 (price will increase Aug. 1) Dance-only tickets are $40 and include one drink ticket and access to picnic area. Tickets can be purchased online at svgreatschools.org, or by phone at 935-9566.

Parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to volunteer at the event and can sign up by contacting SVEF at 935-9566 or sallie@svgreatschools.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation has raised more than $14 million for local public schools. Among the programs the Foundation supports are the Engineering, Design & Technology and Sustainable Agriculture Academies at the High School, Algebra Boot Camp, Middle School Writing Centers, Summer Literacy Academy, Preschool for All, AVANCE parent education program, an El Sistema inspired youth orchestra and the School Garden Project.

Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.