The chance to bid on items ranging from tours of San Francisco 49er and Stanford football team facilities, to attendance at various theme parties and kids' drawing lessons with a Disney artist is on the program for a fundraising event hosted by the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation on Saturday (April 21).

"Black & White and Spring All Over!" will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Palo Alto. Dinner begins at 6 p.m., and the general admission event is at 7:45 p.m.

Although billed as a "black and white" event, the foundation notes on its website: "Leave the tuxes and ball gowns at home and come in anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a daring Little Black Dress. It all works!"

The party will include dancing to the music of the Cheeseballs, and a silent auction featuring 327 items.

All proceeds benefit the foundation, which supports Menlo Park City School District schools: Encinal and Laurel in Atherton, and Oak Knoll and Hillview Middle in Menlo Park.

The foundation's role in keeping the district's programs strong and class size low -- and in preventing teacher layoffs -- has been growing steadily with the state's funding cutbacks and growing enrollment. Last year it donated $2.6 million, and has set a goal of $4 million for its next gift to the schools.

Go to event for more information and to buy tickets to the benefit event.

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