Fundraising for Portola Valley schools takes an exotic leap on Saturday, May 20, when partygoers at the foundation gala spend “A Night in Bombay” without boarding a transcontinental jet.
The setting for the Portola Valley Schools Foundation gala is close to home — the Portola Valley Town Center. A large tent will be set up on the center’s parking lot, where 500 guests will feast like royalty on exotic Indian cuisine, bid on hundreds of auction items, and dance to the foot-stomping beat of David Martin’s House Party.
“The gala provides a great opportunity for our community to come together not only for an evening of fun, but also for the benefit of our schools,” says Superintendent Anne Campbell. “Proceeds from the gala help the Portola Valley district incorporate art, music, and physical education into our students’ daily lives. We are most appreciative of the community’s phenomenal support.”
Gala co-chairs Janet Lorenzen and Lauren Lopez are leading an army of more than 100 volunteers to stage an event that they say promises to be one of the best parties of the year. As for what to wear, the organizers are sticking to the theme: “Indian attire admired, but not required.”
Shuttles will bring guests to the gala from four parking areas, Christ Church, Ormondale School, The Sequoias’ lower lot, and the Pollock Financial Center at the corner of Alpine and Portola roads. No parking will be available at Town Center.
The party begins at 5 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and “Bollywood Music.” At that time, attendees may also begin placing bids on more than 300 items on display for the silent auction.
Up for bid are: a Picasso lithograph of “The Three Musicians,” a VIP lunch and tour of the state Capitol with State Sen. Jackie Speier, and getaways to the wine country, Mexico, and South Beach, Florida.
Teachers and staff have gotten into the spirit by donating items such as a fishing trip, knitting lessons, a rock climbing outing and a guided tour of murals in San Francisco.
The live auction begins after dinner is served and features 30 items, including a polo party for 25; the right to buy a Lexus hybrid SUV at invoice price; luxury getaways to Sun Valley, Telluride and Southern California; and a “Cat in the Hat” sleepover for kids at Ormondale. Six high-bidding couples will take part in Portola Valley’s “Amazingly Outrageous Race.”
“The Star of India,” a tanzanite and diamond ring valued at $17,000, will go to the person who buys the lucky ticket for $75 in the raffle.
To view the auction’s online catalog, check pvschoolsfoundation.org. For information about tickets at $150 each, contact Crissy Untrecht at tuntrech@speakeasy.net or 851-0583.
Lori Hunter is again in charge of the facility needs for this biennial event, and has chosen Stuart Rental as the primary vendor. To carry out an authentic East Indian theme, Lisa Wan, decorations chair, is using Raj tents for decorations and accessories. Auction chair is Sharon Driscoll Savoca.
Many families and businesses have stepped up to provide financial support as underwriters and in-kind services for the gala.
