SVEF's Red & White Ball Eclipses Previous Year in Revenue

The following article was posted by the Sonoma Index Tribune September 28, 2021

Virtual Red & White Ball raises $400k

Money will benefit Valley’s public schools, teachers and students

INDEX-TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Raising $400,000 for Valley schools, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation wrapped its signature Red & White Ball fundraiser, surpassing the revenue generated in 2020. The marker is especially impressive as this is the second year the fundraiser was all virtual, instead of the beloved gala on the Plaza.

'As uncertainty remains ever-present in our lives, I'm moved that we continually find a steadfast certainty in our local community to show up for youth in Sonoma Valley,' said Angela Ryan, executive director of the education foundation. 'Hosting a cornerstone event like the Red & WhiteBall virtually for the second year in a row and still seeing such a generous output gives us the confidence to creatively reimagine fundraising moving forward. We are filled with gratitude for the generosity of our supporters who are making expanded programming a reality for students.'

The virtual fundraising utilized double and triple match days, along with an online auction to raise funds. Donors who made a gift of $250 or more had an opportunity to pick up their Red & White Ball party bag in the Plaza horseshoe or donate the bag to a local teacher as a thank you for all they've done throughout the pandemic and for local students in general.

The $400,000 raised will be “creatively and strategically” directed to areas where the pandemic has impacted students. That will include programs and opportunities to help recapture 'beyond the bell' learning and social-emotional development, including all-day preschool at Sassarini, expanded after-school opportunities and arts education.

The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) was established in 1993 and has since provided over $20 million dollars to Sonoma Valley public schools through grants to teachers and administration, sponsored community initiatives, and meaningful programming such as Summer Literacy Academy, Preschool For All. and more.
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For more information, visit svgreatschools.org.