By Khalida Sarwari
For the second year in a row, the McAfee Center will play host to “Saratoga Spectacular,” a concert and art exhibit on Jan. 29 to raise money for programs benefiting local elementary and middle school students.
Produced by the Saratoga Education Foundation, a volunteer-driven fundraising nonprofit comprised of parents and community members who support the Saratoga Union School District, the event offers two components: an exhibition of artwork by local teachers and artists and a concert of classical and jazz music performed by teachers and professional musicians.
The foundation’s goal is to raise $800 for each of the 2,000 students in the district this year, said SEF president Tamami Honma.
The funds “make a difference because it keeps class sizes small,” Honma said. “We’re trying to keep a very high quality of education ongoing.”
As part of the event, new superintendent and former SEF volunteer Nancy Johnson will be taking to the mic to show off her vocal range. Others taking part in the program include Bay Shore Lyric Opera Company members, Jon Jow on sax, SUSD music instructor Stephanie Gelman playing the flute, Argonaut teacher Stephen Stroot on vocals and Jennifer Kloetzel, cellist of the nationally acclaimed Cypress String Quartet.
The exhibition will feature works by district art instructor Marie-Helene Bauguil, art docent coordinator Jean Skamra and teacher Scott Lyon, along with local award-winning artist Holly van Hart.
Similar to last year, proceeds from the event will go toward SEF’s general fund, said Honma. The organization is trying to raise about $1 million for teachers, librarians, science aids and various programs at Argonaut, Foothill and Saratoga elementary schools and Redwood Middle School. Last year, the foundation raised nearly $830,000 for the district.
“We’re doing our best to keep programs as they are,” said Honma. “We need to make sure we raise enough money to do that.”
The event begins at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the McAfee Center at Saratoga High School, 20300 Herriman Ave.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and youth, and free for preschool-age kids and younger. They can be purchased online on the foundation’s website or at the door for an additional $5.
The foundation will remain busy throughout the months of February and March with additional fundraising activities. Next month, SEF volunteers will make phone calls to local residents asking for donations as part of the organization’s annual phone-a-thon. Then in March, SEF will host a casino-themed benefit. While the venue and date for this event haven’t yet been determined, Honma said it would be a black-tie affair with live music, an auction and dancing. Tickets are expected to be priced at $125 and will be available on the SEF website next month.
For more information about SEF, visit at saratoga-sef.org.
