Big Bash for schools

More than 400 people ate, danced and helped raise money for education at Petaluma Educational Foundation's The Bash fund-raiser held Sept. 10 in a McDowell Boulevard space donated by Basin Street Properties.

Earnings from the night totaled $320,000, with $120,000 raised from the live auction alone.

"We were very successful in meeting our goals for raising a lot of money for schools," said Janet Ramatici, PEF's executive director. "It's always so heartwarming to see the outpouring of generosity from guests that attended."

PEF is a nonprofit organization that has been helping raise funds for local schools since 1982. 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.