Oracle Schools Foundation Beer, Brats, and Barrio
Dana Eckhardt
On April 9 a gathering of donors for the Oracle Schools Foundation met at the host home of John and Linda Ansay for one of the fixed price auctions. There’s no better way to enjoy a Brats and Beer Bash than sitting on a patio overlooking the Catalina Mountains. All attendees were treated to a traditional Midwest feast with all the trimmings: brats, potato salad, baked beans, and more, all washed down with Barrio beers, wine, or non-alcoholic options. As a matter of fact, Barrio Brewery (Arizona’s oldest brewery, which is 100% employee owned) was there for all to enjoy beer tasting with a sampling of some of their craft brews. It was a great time, and all enjoyed the feast and beverages, plus a chance to mingle with friends and neighbors of SaddleBrooke.
This is just one example of over 20 fixed price events that are offered by SaddleBrooke residents in conjunction with the Oracle Schools Foundation Spring Fling Gala. All proceeds support educational programs at the Mountain Vista Pre-K school. There are still some great events (house concerts, parties) that are not full and will be offered in October and November. To see what is available and to sign up and pay, go to www.oracleschoolsfoundation.com.
2024 Oracle Schools Foundation Gala: A Lovely Jewish Dinner
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
The table was elegantly set as the winners of the Fixed Price Jewish Dinner event arrived at the home of Joy and Bill Erickson, who hosted the evening, located in The Preserve. Wine was poured and guests mingled in preparation for a feast of Jewish foods. A memorable evening, the event was carried out with assistance and support from Sherry Kaplan.
The meal was comprised of Jewish food specialties prepared by a myriad of cooks, which brought back memories of the way Bubbes (for those who know who this is!) made food—the Old World way.
The menu included chopped liver, sweet and sour meatballs, matzo ball soup, beef brisket, kasha mit varnishkes (a traditional Jewish noodle dish), and also specialty desserts: rugelach, hamantaschen, apple cake, mandel bread, and kugel.
Thank you to everyone who bought Fixed Price tickets at the Oracle Schools Foundation Gala for this memorable evening.
This is just one of the great Fixed Price events that are part of the Oracle Schools Spring Fling Gala, which raises funds to support preschool and other educational programs at the Mountain Vista School.
Mark your calendars! The 2025 Oracle Schools Foundation Gala will be held on March 15. We look forward to seeing you there!
An Anatomy of a Gala
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
The 2024 Oracle Schools Foundation Gala was a resounding success. More than 270 people were in attendance at the March 10 soiree. The feedback received indicates that attendees had a great evening, an evening that was comprised of a Live Auction, a Silent Auction, and the opportunity to sign up for Fixed Price items.
The event was the culmination of several months’ effort by a committee of 21 in order to bring the Gala to fruition.
In order to present a synopsis of this effort, here is a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for the Gala from the inside out, a Gala anatomy, if you will.
The Gala venue for the event is booked a year in advance. Closer to the event, the menu for the evening is chosen.
A review of the previous year’s Gala (what worked, what needs to be changed) is carried out by the committee under the direction of Ann Vernon, the Gala director.
Major sponsors for the Gala are recruited by committee members.
Committee members recruit people to donate their homes for events, such as house concerts, wine tastings, and specialty dinners, or for people who are willing to donate their time for an activity, such as bread making. In addition, committee members ask people to donate high-end items for the Live Auction, such as a week at a donated timeshare resort. In most cases, the dates and times need to be established in advance for each item offered for the Gala.
A Google Sheet was established for each event by Janet Goulden, making it possible for all committee members to view all donations.
Once the events/activities are secured, then it is determined whether the items should be a Fixed Price, Silent Auction, or Live Auction event.
Write-ups for each item are prepared and sent to Nancy Moore, computer volunteer, for the Gala program, which is then sent to the printer.
Simultaneously, all the details are posted on the Oracle Schools Foundation website for people to register online.
Volunteers for the evening are secured.
Under the direction of Rich Borland, treasurer, the check-out process is reviewed and refined, and credit card readers have to be obtained.
The number of items secured for the Gala by committee members included:
• 11 Live Auction items;
• 162 Silent Auction items (which included donated gift cards, etc.); and
• 24 Fixed Price items.
However, the conclusion of the Gala does not end the activities for the committee members.
Post-Gala:
• A debriefing with committee members is held to recap the proceedings of the evening.
• Communication is carried out with the people who donated Live Auction, Silent Auction, and Fixed Price items.
• Letters of thanks are sent to sponsors and donors.
• Fixed Price items that did not completely fill are offered on the website, with status updates done by Linda Lyon, website manager.
• Mr. Borland manages the finances of the Gala until all bills are paid and until all items are sold out.
• There are many other moving parts, which are too numerous to list here!
It is absolutely true—it does take a village! And now, the committee is setting its sights on 2025 for the next Gala!