In support of education

<p>Schools in Petaluma are facing some tough economic times, and more than ever, help is needed to ensure that local youth receive the best education possible.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>“The need has clearly never been greater,” said Janet Ramatici, executive director of the Petaluma Educational Foundation. “I think that there's an understanding in this community that's evidenced by the amazing outpouring of support we've seen.”</p><p>The Petaluma Educational Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has been helping raise funds for local schools since 1982 and was started in response to budget cuts in the school system imposed by the passage of Proposition 13.</p><p>Budget cuts and less money coming to local schools has made PEF's work all the more important, and hopes are high that its fifth annual Bash fund-raiser on Saturday, Sept. 11 will be a successful effort.</p><p>“We've got the community supporting us in so many ways because the needs are so evident,” said Ramatici. “The community is showing support through corporate sponsorships for the event and ticket sales are booming. We have to sell out at 500 tickets, and we are clearly going to sell out. The community knows the schools need help more than ever and that's the mission of PEF — to support the schools.”</p><p>Funds from the bash support PEF's three major projects: its grant program, scholarship program and fine arts program for all Petaluma area public and non-profit private schools. </p><p>According to Ramatici, last year's Bash raised $180,000 for Petaluma schools, exceeding PEF's goal by 16 percent and surpassing the previous year's successful Bash. PEF's efforts help improve the quality of education for 13,000 students from the 37 Petaluma area schools, including public and not-for-profit schools, from kindergardten through high school.</p><p>“We hope to meet and exceed that amount this year,” said Ramatici. “The event so far has more than 40 corporate sponsors, which has just blown us away.”</p><p>Though the Bash is in its fifth year, the event marks PEF's 20th annual fund-raising effort. </p><p>“Previous to the Bash, we had a fund-raiser called Celebration for Education that was going on since 1990,” said Ramatici.</p><p>This year's Bash will be held in office space located at 1039 N. McDowell Blvd. The space was donated by RNM Properties for the event and will be transformed into what PEF is calling “Club 1039.”</p><p>The theme for the Bash is “Pick Your Cool at Club 1039” and kicks off with a Rat Pack reception featuring Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin-style performers appearing with their Swinging Little Band. There will be a silent auction, martini bar, strolling cigar girls, cocktails and wine.</p><p>The Bash “High Hopes” live auction takes place during a three-course sit-down prime-rib dinner in “Frank's Dinner Club,” followed by dancing in the “Entourage Lounge.” </p><p>“The lounge is in the spirit of Los Angeles and Las Vegas contemporary nightclubs, with flashing lights and all that stuff,” said Ramatici. “We plan to span the generations so we have something for everyone.”</p><p>The live and silent auctions feature a number of items such as four tickets to a NASCAR event, private dinner parties, a chef's dinner, wine tasting, a trip to New York City to see a Broadway play and a chance to join sportscaster Mark Ibanez after a San Francisco 49ers game at KTVU television station in Oakland. To view a complete list of items up for bid, visit www.pefinfo.com.</p><p>“The Bash has clearly become our signature event and it's really an impressive all-volunteer effort putting it together,” said Ramatici. “We're very pleased that it has grown in success every year.”</p><p>Tickets to the Bash are $150 per person. </p><p>For tickets and more information about the event, call PEF at 778--5063 or visit www.pefinfo.com.</p><p>(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovanna.bieberich@arguscourier.com)</p>