Ann Vernon
Members of the Oracle Schools Foundation Spring Fling Gala Planning Committee met at the home of Ann and Nile Vernon to celebrate a very successful event that raised over $65,000 (with more money coming in) to help support kindergarten prep and related educational programs in the Mountain Vista School District in Oracle.
The Gala “team” did an amazing job of soliciting 67 silent auction items, 26 fixed price events, and nine fabulous live auction items. Kudos to Dorothy Wood (silent auction chair), Mary Jo Swartzberg and Sue Schliepsiek (fixed price chairs), and Dale Farland and Donna Pedota (live auction chairs). Linda Lyon, Terri Tindal, Dale Farland, Janet Gulden, Chris Crum, and Richard Borland spent many hours figuring out a way to expedite the check-out process, and it was a big success! Other “worker bees” on the team included Bonnie Barazani, Laura Haslett, Joy Hellard, Sherry Kaplan, Benith MacPherson, Jessica Nehrmeyer, and Karen Pachis. As chair of the Gala, I couldn’t be prouder of their devotion to our mission. Their energy and enthusiasm paved the way for a great auction. A big thanks also to Barry Swartzberg who coordinated the house concerts and our two benefit concerts: the CS&M Trio performed at the Ranch earlier this year, and the Tributaries were at DesertView this month. Both events raised money that will help fund our educational programs.
I want to thank all the SaddleBrooke and Ranch residents who contributed to the silent, live, and fixed price auction. We could not have such a successful auction if it weren’t for your donations. I appreciate all who attended the Gala to support such a worthy cause.
If you would like to donate something for next year’s auction, contact me, Ann Vernon, at vernonann47@gmail.com. This is a “goods and services” auction only. We do not take tangible items. Our “best sellers” are theme dinners, parties, and made-to-order food donations. The date for next year’s Gala will be announced soon.