PEF plans for 2010 fund-raising bash

The Petaluma Educational Foundation has announced plans for its 2010 fund-raising bash for local schools.

The event, which this year has adopted the theme, “The Rat Pack Entourage,” will take place at 1039B N. McDowell Blvd., near Corona Road, beginning at 5 p.m. on Sept. 11.

RNM Properties, the sponsor of the event, is donating extensive space for the second consecutive year. Some 500 people are expected to attend. The bash usually raises about $250,000 for educational program funding.

“RNM Properties recognizes the connection between successful companies and communities —  both prosper under circumstances of mutual support and cooperation,” said Paul Elmore, president of RNM Properties. “It’s why we’re honored to host the PEF Bash for the second consecutive year.

“Petaluma schools continue to feel the state’s budget woes, and our community is in a unique position to help do its part to ensure that our children will still receive the quality education they need and deserve.”

Carol Libarle and Cathy Backman, co-chairs of the 2010 bash, issued a joint statement praising the help provided by RNM Properties and Exchange Bank, which in 2005 pledged a $50,000 five-year commitment to underwrite partial costs of the event.

“The commitment that Exchange Bank and RNM Properties have made to PEF and our children exemplifies the importance of the business world and the non-profit world working together to support our community,” they stated. “We are delighted to announce that Exchange Bank’s significant fifth-year pledge has helped us meet our half-way mark toward our goal of raising $100,000 in underwriting of an event that is all the more essential this year than ever before.”

Two Petaluma High School graduates now serving as administrators for Exchange Bank discussed the importance of PEF.

“Exchange Bank is again proud to support the Petaluma Educational Foundation,” said Ron Malnati, the vice president of business development. “In today’s environment, we know that the needs and the challenges are many. I can’t think of a better investment in our community’s future than to support PEF.

“Year after year, they have been there to help our schools, teachers and students.”

“Many of our managing staff, tellers and board members attended Petaluma schools,” said Rick Mossi, the vice president and regional manager. “The bank’s philosophy to give back to the community in a challenging economy provides a great tie between investing and education.”

Tickets for the event are on sale at www.petinfo.com. They cost $150 per person, which includes cocktails at the martini bar, wine, dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions. For more information about the 2010 PEF Bash, go to www.pefinfo.com or call 778-4632.