2010 Spring Gala Results

Spring Gala Earned OVER $47,000

The Gala was once again very successful with an all time high of $47,000! The weather was perfect, the buzz of the night seemed full of great energy and the evening was loaded with enthusiasm and fun. Here are some of the big earners from the night:

• $1,700 Teacher Excursions
• $2,000 Desserts
• $3,500 Photos/Laura Cottril (with more coming in)
• $5,000 Raffles
• $6,000 Fund a Need
• $12,000 LIVE

Once again this year an earning highlight was Fund A Need, which is part of Live Auction where people simply make cash donations. We received everything from $500 to $25. Our parents and guests donated $6000!!! You know it's a great school and community when you look over and see teachers and Principal Voris donating too! Simply an amazing night! We are lucky to be part of a community with dedicated parents, staff & community.

Thanks to everyone for your help and making the Gala another successful and fun year! Thanks to the Auction Team, Donors, Volunteers, PHE Parents & Staff, and Sequoia Elementary for all your help creating and running this event. And, a huge thanks to Parents, Staff, Family and Friends of PHE that attend the auction and spent money!

The Dessert Line is In! You can catch these in Live Auction!

Tippy's Banana Cream Pie!
We all know how good a Baker's Square Pie can be, but one taste of this one and you will never go back! Everything about this pie is homemade- the crust, the filling, even the bananas (Ha!) The homemade recipe for this pie has been handed down from Tippy’s mother and it is always requested instead of birthday cake! Prepared and baked with love by Jen Tipton

Biscotti
A tray full of Italian Biscotti....Cinnamon, Anise, Chocolate! Something for everyone to enjoy! Pair this up with a shot of Grappa and you will feel like you've traveled to Italy for dessert! (minus the cost of airfare!) Baked and composed by Julie Stern

Ganache Brownie Bites
A Dozen homemade brownie bites made with Ghirardelli chocolate, drenched in chocolate ganache and topped with a perfect raspberry. What more do you want? Prepared for your pleasure by Hillary Hibel

Carrot Cake
At twist on the classic decadent Carrot Cake; A moist, spicy cake made with a rich cream cheese filling and finished in a white chocolate buttercream. Created by Julie Ormerod

Lemon Meringue Pie
Grandma’s famous Lemon Meringue Pie made with lemons picked from her tree and a flaky buttery homemade crust. Mmmmm….Donated by Tess Nicosia and her Mom

BAKLAVA …The traditional dessert of Greece! Layers of Phillo dough, sprinkled with chopped walnuts, coated with Cinnamon and sugar, baked till golden brown--swimming in syrup simply delicious!! Authentically created by Athena Apostolopolos

“Leave the gun. Take the cannolis.”
Ever watch The Godfather and wonder why Clemenza loved cannolis so much that he remembered to take them with him as he left the scene of a “hit”? Find out! After your lovely meal, buy this famous Sicilian desert of tube-shaped pastries filled with sweet cream along with a selection of éclairs for the French pastry fan. Tonight, take the Cannoli. You won’t regret it. From Sorelle di Dolci, donated by la famiglia Mastrogiogio

The (in)famous Bodacious Ta-Ta Cake!
Don’t let this one get away again. You know you want it. Or he does, anyway. And, of course, it’s Devil’s Food cake with a rich Chocolate Mousse filling. Painstakingly Created by Julie Ormerod

Kilimanjaro Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce – A creamy ivory white cheesecake with side of fresh raspberry sauce. Baked by Tomas Triana and his dad, Ray"
.

LINE UP for Live Auction

Here's the official list for Live Auction this coming Saturday night April 17th, 2010.

1 Two Giants Baseball Tickets for May 15th, 2010
Grab your mitt because you’ll be sitting just 11 rows behind home plate while the Giants play the Houston Astros on May 15th. This exciting game will be played at AT&T Park at 1:10pm so be sure to bring your sunscreen as you’ll be enjoying the sun in Section FC 113, Row K, seats 1 & 2. Donor: The Fife Family

2 Four Cal Women’s Huddle Tickets-July 30, 2010
Come play football with the 2010 California Golden Bears! Chat it up with Coach Jeff Tedford! Begin the night at Memorial Stadium with a reception of food and drinks while mingling with the players. This is your chance to get autographs and pictures. Then gather at the “tunnel” to get pumped up, and it’s out to the football field where we you get to play several different positions with the players as our guides. The women get to tour the locker room and gym and then it’s back to have some more food and drinks. The event begins at 4:30 pm when you arrive for Registration, the Huddle goes from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and you’ll want to stick around for the Post-Huddle Social until 9pm. A unique experience you won’t want to miss. Donor: Cal Athletics

3 Golf for Four at the Contra Costa Country Club
Enjoy a round of golf for four (including cart) at the exclusive Contra Costa Country Club. The championship 18-hole golf course measures 6,550 yards and is consistently rated one of the top private courses in Northern California. This wonderful course was originally established in 1925 and was renovated in 1992 by Robert Muir Graves. All of the greens were reconstructed with a drought-resistant design. The course is routed through 145 acres and landscaped with mature native Oak, Eucalyptus and Redwood trees. The course gives all players a perfect blend of challenges and dramatic views. Days of use are Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday. Expires 3/11. Donor: Contra Costa Country Club Golf

4 Summer Furniture Suite
This lovely set of Ikea outdoor furniture will be yours to enjoy this summer in your outdoor living space. The line is called Applaro and includes a drop leaf table, two chairs and a bench for optional and flexible seating. No work required - it’s already been assembled. You’ll also get bright and comfortable seat cushions as well as an umbrella. To top the whole look off, you’ll also receive colorful lanterns that are great for decorative and evening lighting purposes. Donor: Ikea
5 Dinner and Wine Pairings for Four at Amber Bistro
Get together with friends or family and enjoy a wonderful evening of fine dining at Amber Bistro in Danville. You will be treated to a fabulous dinner for four, including wine chosen by the owner, Eric Janssen, who is a certified sommelier and a PHE dad! Tax and gratuity ARE included! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to wine and dine at Amber Bistro. Donor: Janssen Family - Amber Bistro

6 Hiking and Hamburgers with Sitka and Mrs. Voris
Sitka and Mrs. Voris will be your guides on a one- to three-hour moderate hike in the beautiful open space of the Mt. Tamalpais Watershed. After a few hours in the open air, enjoy a picnic with homemade hamburgers and all the fixings. Sitka will promise to eat your leftovers! All snacks and food will be provided to the members of your family. Vegetarian options will be provided upon request. Sitka and Mrs. Voris live in San Geronimo, Marin County, a 75-90 minute drive from Pleasant Hill, and their home is surrounded by acres of gorgeous open space. Choose your Date for the Hike: May 1 or May 8, 2010. Final arrangements to be made with winning bidders
and Mrs. Voris. Donor: Jennifer Voris

7 Principal for the Day
This spring, one lucky child will join Mrs. Voris in all the important PHE daily duties as Principal for the Day. Your student will receive a special name badge, make the morning announcements, do yard duty, observe classrooms, help with lunch duty, and attend important meetings. Your child’s leadership skills will shine on this special day! Principal for the Day will take place on: May 28, 2010. Donor: Jennifer Voris

8 Professional Chef Prepares Dinner for Eight!
A spectacular dinner for eight in the privacy of your own home! No need to go out because a private chef is coming to you to prepare a delicious three course meal for you and your friends. Chef Anne Dickey brings the food and 4 bottles of wine along with loads of experience from famous kitchens such as Chez Panisse, Fleur de Lys, and Postrio. Either treat your friends to an amazing evening or team together with your friends to win what is sure to be an auction highlight. You will then be able to relax and enjoy the company of your guests, while all culinary tasks are masterfully handled by your chef. Date to be mutually agreed upon. No Holidays. Expires 11/01/10. Food & wine provided by the Hanken Family. Donors: John & Nancy Hanken and Chef Anne Dickey

9 Guided Fly-Fishing Trip for Two
You and a friend will enjoy a guided fly-fishing trip on either the McCloud, Klamath or Upper Sacramento Rivers. John Rickard a highly regarded flyfishing guide will lead you in every aspect of the sport and at the end of the day you’ll walk away with an in-depth knowledge of equipment selection, casting techniques, entomology, techniques for fighting, landing and releasing fish and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a novice, John will give you the fly-fishing trip of a lifetime. All trips include a streamside lunch, use of equipment, flies, etc...Please have a valid fishing license and appropriate stamps. Date to be mutually agreed upon, species of fish available subject to state law. Transportation not included. Expires: 4/17/11. http://wildwatersflyfishing.com; ohn@wildwatersflyfishing.com Donor: John Rickard

10 Mayor for the Day with Karen Mitchoff
This is always one of our most popular live auction items: Mayor for the Day for your child with Pleasant Hill Mayor Karen Mitchoff. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for your son or daughter to help run a Pleasant Hill City Council meeting, get to know the mayor and her aides, and learn about local government. Your lucky little one will start the day with a tour of City Hall and a photograph with the Mayor and your whole family. Then, after reviewing the City Council meeting agenda, the Mayor for the Day will help call the meeting to order, do roll call, and run the first 30 to 45 minutes of the meeting together with Mayor Mitchoff. Your child will also receive a gift bag with Pleasant Hill souveniers along with a certificate and DVD of the city council meeting. Date must be arranged in advance with Mayor Mitchoff’s assistant. Donation arranged by Mayor Karen Mitchoff, Council member Michael Harris, and the City of Pleasant Hill. Donor: Mayor Karen Mitchoff

11 Mid-Week Retreat in Beautiful Calistoga
Book your parents or in-laws for a quick getaway with this fabulous retreat package. Escape to Calistoga for one night, mid-week (Monday-Thursday) and stay at the historic Calistoga Inn. With a hundred year history of serving visitors, the Calistoga Inn is quintessential hospitality. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with the $50 gift certificate that comes with this basket at The Calistoga Inn Restaurant which hosts a popular outdoor dining patio stretching along the Napa River. Live jazz guitar is featured nightly during warm summer nights. During the day use the $100 gift card for spa services at the Goldenhaven Spa in Calistoga. Experience the magic of the Calistoga hot springs mineral water and rejuvenating spa treatments. For additional fun and shopping, use the $50 Visa Gift Card and $20 Gas CardPLUS to tour the Napa Valley. You’ll also receive 2 Riedel Wine glasses with 2 bottles of wine from Napa Valley: Newton the Puzzle…valued at $80 and Franciscan Magnificat…valued at $40. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity! Donor: Mrs. Waters’ First Grade Class

12 Family Camping Trip...The Amazing Race
Back by popular demand and the LAST year to win a spot for you and your family at what might be the easiest and most fun group camping trip you’ve ever experienced! The Stokes family has organized this camping trip for 12 years running, and now you can join in the fun on KidTrip13. This year’s theme is The Amazing Race. You will be provided a beautiful camp location at Pinecrest Lake, dinner on Friday night, Saturday breakfast, lunch at the beach and a catered dinner and breakfast on Sunday morning (with plenty of adult beverages in between). Enjoy outdoor movies, swimming at the lake, kid’s night parade and dancing, frisbee golf, Friday morning 20-mile down hill mountain bike ride (car ride back to camp), Friday night ladies’ happy hour, camp fires, Amazing Race activities for the kids, and much, much more. Bring your sleeping bags, camp chairs and a few snacks & drinks, and an appetite for food & fun. A tent will be provided if you don’t have one. Join the Stokes with lots of other PHE families and friends. If you are already committed to going, this is a perfect opportunity to invite another family of your choice. First-time campers are encouraged to come! Dates: July 16-18th, 2010. Donor: Ron & Lori Stokes

13 Three Night, Four Day Stay at a Fabulous Cabin on Bass Lake
Nestled in the mountains near Yosemite is this wonderful family cabin on beautiful Bass Lake. There are plenty of things to do any time of year -- hiking, swimming, snow skiing, water sports, boating, fishing, and just plain relaxing just to name a few. Just a quick three-hour drive from the Bay Area and you’ll find yourself enjoying a little piece of heaven in the Sierra’s. This is a spacious cabin with six bedrooms (sleeps 12) plus an additional sleeping porch which sleeps four more, three full baths, a fully remodeled and stocked kitchen, wireless internet access, BBQ, TV/DVD and the most gorgeous views off the deck. Get a group of family or friends and go in on this fabulous getaway weekend. September is best month of all, the weather is still hot, the water is still warm and there are no crowds. If snow is your thing, use it in the winter and enjoy the alpine elements of the Sierras. Cannot be used during high season of mid-June through mid August. Deposit of $150 is required. Check out the property and it’s amenities at: www.basslakevacations.com/site/Overview/PropertyID__20550/4693/default.aspx Donor: The Sanner Family

14 Private Tasting for Ten at the Wine Thieves!
You and nine guests are invited to a privtae winetasting at Wine Thieves’ Lafayette location. Includes private cellar setting, stemware, education and fine wine service. You’re welcome to bring appetizers, create a potluck with your friends, or get a caterer. Have fun learning without the pretense of inhibition! Must call to schedule. Expires: 10/31/10.
Donor: Wine Thieves

2010 Classroom Projects

Preview Day: class projects/baskets, teacher experiences & student artisan projects will be available at Preview Day Thursday, April 15 from 2-6pm in the PHE MU.
Absentee Bidding: Not attending the Gala but you are interested in bidding on one or more of these items? Check out our Absentee Bidding option.

Scott Class Donation - Take Care for Two" Package. You and a guest will enjoy an elite buddy training session with Kandee Shuken, Elite Personal Trainer at the Renaissance ClubSport fitness facility. When you are finished working out, relax with an 80-minute couples massage that will help you recover from your earlier training session. After the massage, you will have the opportunity to satisfy your appetite with the Spa Cuisine Lunch, a truly wonderful day of luxury at the Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek. Expires: 10/31/10.
Value $370.00/Starting bid: $111.00

Bohner Class Project & Basket - Project Merry Pear. This is a large colorful abstract pear painting created by every student in Mrs. Bohner 4th grade class. Not only did the students tackle with project with creative inhibition but with immense pride in creating a piece of art to be purchased and used to raise money for some of their favorite programs at PHE. This ready to hang canvas is 24x30 and 2 inches deep with a true museum quality.

Basket - A Day at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - Take the family to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a fantastic day! You can split your day by hanging out on the beach with your 48QT Igloo Cooler, Beach Umbrella, Sand Toys, Paddle Ball Set, 4 Aluminum Water bottles, Frisbee, Bottle of Sunscreen, and 4 Beach Towels. When you've had enough of the sand and water, use the 4 Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk Attractions Plus Unlimited Rides Package! Ride as often as you want, PLUS choose two attractions: Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Desperados, Climb 'N Conquer, Fright Walk, Boardwalk Bowl bowling (one game and shoes), 12 arcade tokens, or the new Laser Maze. Good any operating day. A fabulous summer day ready and waiting for you and your family!

Mafaei Class Donation - Let's go to the Movies! Here's a perfect weekend-night outing for the entire family to enjoy the latest movie release. The package includes 5 movie passes to the Cinemark Pleasant Hill Movie Theater and $10 in tokens for the theater Arcade. If you're in the mood to stay in but want to get that movie theater feeling, choose from one of 7 family movie DVDs (they have gift receipts should you find you already own any of them), movie theater size candies, a popcorn bowl that you can fill with either microwave kettle korn, regular popcorn or Toffee Popcorn.

Russo Class Donation - This digital camcorder shoots in 1080p high definition for stellar quality video and features 90MB of internal memory, so you can record special moments with friends and family. This Insignia Camcorder has dual function: 720p HD Camcorder & 5MP digital camera, use it for any occasion. You'll also get an Optima Flash Memory Card, 2 GB and the Lowepro Digital Camera Bag. Great for your family or a gift.
Scott Class Project - One of the most wonderful symbols of spring is the full, colorful and fragrant cherry blossom tree. Ms. Scott's first graders got together to create a gorgeous painting of this symbol, a Cherry Blossom Tree in full bloom. Sharon Kurk loaned her painting expertise with this project while Kandee Shuken directed the kids in their efforts. Every child contributed by using their tiny finger tips to "paint" the cherry blossoms and it's absolutely beautiful.
Mrs. Kameya's 1st/2nd Class Proejct - Handpainted Tile Framed Chalk Board. The children of Mrs. Kameya's class had a lot of fun painting their own tile for this project. Each kid was given their a tile and special glazes to decorate in their own uniquely abstract style. The integrity of the piece comes from the color palette they all used which will brighten any home. This beauty is also useful for keeping everyone in your household up to date!
Nicosia Class Donation- The Deluxe Emergency kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain 4 people for three days, as recommended by the American Red Cross. Each kit includes 4 water boxes, food supply, 4 emergency ponchos, 4 survival blankets, 4 12-hour lightsticks, 4 pair nitrile gloves,4 dust masks, pocket tissues, emergency whistle, leather gloves, Multi-Tool, 10yds. Duct Tape, 4 pair goggles, 3 bio-hazard bags, premoistened towlettes, emergency communication plan/contacts, first aid kit that has 107 pieces, Emergency power station 4-function (flashlight, AM/FM radio, siren, cell phone charger) and a backpack. The kit, in a handy backpack, can be stored at home, at school, and at the office.
Strum Class Donation - Medley of organic products with white bake-ware dish.
Gableman Class Donation - Family Entertainment Gift Card Basket - Everything is here to show your family a good time! Spend quality time with your favorite people, we've done all the thinking for you! Included in this basket are gift cards to baja fresh, coco swirl, trader joe's, olive garden, cold stone creamery and much much more!!!!

Walker Class Donation - Gym and Fitness Starter: This deluxe gym bag contains a heart rate monitor, pedometer, exercise mat, water bottle and energy bars to get you started, and a 6-month membership to Fitness19 to keep you going just in time for beach season. Value: $250
Flaner Class Donation - Medley of Meals out on the Town. Gift cards and gift certificates from some local favorite restaurants, including: Kobe Japan $50, Taheri's $40, Cheesecake Factory $50, Mary's Pizza Shack $25, Chipotle $25, Starbucks $25, and Rubio's $10. Perfect for taking the night off of cooking or a quick lunch break. Value: $225.00

Strum Class Donation - Whimsical Family Tree, Peekaboo Crafts
Jury Class Donation - Simple Single model bike by Giant. A one speed cruiser the for ultimate in simplicity, features a Comfort Cruiser saddle for supreme plushness, cruiser tires are large for smooth rolling. Maybe a great Mother's Day present!
McGee Class Project: Fingerprint Fun in the Garden - Enjoy this 16" ceramic pot in your garden! It is painted with adorable fingerprint critters done by kindergardeners. The pot will also has some gardening goodies along with a Navlet's gift card to purchase potting materials.
Gabelman Class Project- Sharon Kurk worked with the students to create a collage of birch trees in winter. Each tree trunk is a unique painting from every child in the class. Tree trunks are applied to a beautiful tissue collage background. The combination of the bright background and the starkness of the trees is stunning and makes for a contemporary piece of art. (pics with and without frame)

Abramon Class Project - Annie Blodgette worked with the 2nd grade students to create a version of "Regatta at Cowes" in the Raoul Dufy style on canvas 24x30. Dufy is a French artist recently studied in FAME.

Professional Chef Prepares Dinner for Eight!

Another outstanding experience you will only find at the auction! This is sure to be a live auction item!

A spectacular dinner for eight in the privacy of your own home! No need to go out because a private chef is coming to you to prepare a delicious three course meal for you and your friends. Chef Anne Dickey brings the food and 4 bottles of wine along with loads of experience from famous kitchens such as Chez Panisse, Fleur de Lys, and Postrio. Either treat your friends to an amazing evening or team together with your friends to win what is sure to be an auction highlight. You will then be able to relax and enjoy the company of your guests, while all culinary tasks are masterfully handled by your chef. Chef Anne Dickey, contact info dickeyanne@yahoo.com, phone number 415.412.8092

Date to be mutually agreed upon. No Holidays. Expires 11/01/10 Donors: Chef Anne Dickey and food & wine provided by the Hanken Family

Guided Fly-Fishing Trip for Two

Only at the auction...check out this unique experience. Something we've never had at the auction.

You and a friend will enjoy a guided fly-fishing trip on either the McCloud, Klamath or Upper Sacramento Rivers. John Rickard a highly regarded fly-fishing guide will lead you in every aspect of the sport and at the end of the day you'll walk away with an in-depth knowledge of equipment selection, casting techniques, entomology, techniques for fighting, landing and releasing fish and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a novice, John will give you the fly-fishing trip of a lifetime. All trips include a streamside lunch, use of equipment, flies, etc...Please have a valid fishing license and appropriate stamps. Date to be mutually agreed upon, species of fish available subject to state law. Transportation not included. Expires: 4/17/11

Website and email http://wildwatersflyfishing.com and john@wildwatersflyfishing.com

Calling All Pub Crawlers!

One bus, several beers in hand and loads of PHE folks and friends...it must be the famous SF Pub Crawl! Thanks again to City Sightseeing for this fabulous donation. This is a hot sign-up event at the auction and definitely a favorite amongst many people. This is a special event just for PHE and friends.

SAVE the Date: Friday, June 11th
Time: 7-11pm
Pick-up: Embarcadero Bart Station
Cost: $35/pp

Board the bus right off Embarcadero BART station, jump on the bus to find beer and wine waiting for you. With drinks in hand you tour the city with old and new friends. After a nice tour and a few beers we hit three really fun and different bars/pubs.

If you are interested in the double-decker buses check out City Sightseeing for more information. This is a fun activity anytime time of year especially with kids. I highly recommend this tour during the holidays. A fun way to see all the holiday lights.

Student Artisans Donations

Not going to the Gala Auction but you are interested in bidding on one of these items? Check out Absentee Bidding.

Necklace & Bracelet - by Camille Campbell, 4th grader.

Tye-dye Duct Tape Wallet - by Colby Schiager 4th grader.
Wine Charms - bid on one of 3 sets of wine charms by Molly Ferrari, 6th grader. Wine charms come in a cute tin container.

Felt Birds & Pin - adorable hand-made felt birds and a pin have been donated by former PHE student and now 6th grader Erica Kemp. Visit her Etsy Shop Three Fish and a Ladybug for more items.

High-Fashion Note Cards - two sets (5 cards each) of chic fashion outfits have been hand-made by former PHE student and now 6th grader Eleanor Campbell.

Get Professional Photos of Your Chilren

Buy your tickets now or fill out the photo form by Friday, March 26th to ensure award winning Photographer Laura Cottril captures your child on film.

Donations Received...so far

Here's a quick hit list of some things we've received. (Not all inclusive.)

• Giants tickets
• Various summer camps (St. Mary's, Roughing It Day Camp, Athenian sport camp, etc.)
• Fly Fishing - for two on either McCloud, Klamath or Upper Sacramento River with highly regarded guide John Rickard. A first rate adventure.
• Ikea Outdoor Furniture
• Premier Kitchens (Lafayette) - gift certificates for kitchen designs
• Village Music School
• Disneyland 1 Day Hopper Passes for Family of 4
• Walt Disney Family Museum, (in the SF Presidio) passes for 4
  
• Month long memberships to Club Pools (Buena Vista, PH Aquatics and Larkey)
• Gift Certificate to Colorz Hair Gallery
• Ortho gift certificate to Drs Tanner and Reichhold
• iFly Indoor Skydiving
• 3 Month Membership (not normally available) to Club Sport
• North Gait Equestrian
• MacIver Landscape is donating a 15 gallon tree
• Panera Bread, one loaf a month for a year
• Papa Murphy's is offering one pizza a month for a year

Sign-up Parties, Events, Dinners & More

• SF Pub Crawl (City Sightseeing) - back by popular demand; details from previous year
• Amber Bistro dinner for 4
• Tea Party with Jennifer Voris
• Flip Flop Lemon Drop party
• Paul Mitchell hair and nail party for girls -
  
• Kinders dinner for 8
• Dinner for 8, Private Chef, Your Location - Chef from the kitchens of Chez Panisse, Fleur de Lys, Postrio and others is offering to come to your house, and to make a meal of a life time for eight. Food & wine provided by John & Nancy Hanken.
• Wine tasting for 10 Wine Thieves - get together with friends and buy this during live auction
• Scrapbooking & dinner party for 10

Classroom Projects/Donations/Baskets (listed by teacher)

• McGee - Garden themed, decorated clay pots either filled with plants or herbs and possibly a gift card
• Kameya - class tiled chalkboard or mirror AND a digital camera or date night package
• Nicosia - Earthquake/Emergency preparedness basket
• Maffai- Let's go to the movies!
• Waters - Wine Country Getaway AND A Wee Change basket
• Abramson - Dufy Style Class Painting (see below for picture)
• Walker - Fitness basket including a 6-month gym membership
• Bryan - Get out & go basket
• Bohner - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Basket AND an art project
• Gabelman - Family Entertainment Gift Card Tree
• Jury - Bike
• Runyan, Flaner, Hotter - Contributions to Wine Cellar Raffle, tradition of the 5th grade classes
• Roberts/Croy - Date night out including a $100 gift certificate to Amber Bistro one of the best fining dining restaurants in the East Bay.
• Joachim - Fitness Theme Basket

Thank you to all parents, families, friends and businesses for coordinating class baskets/project, donating, and procuring some really great items, events and experiences!

More Auction Donation Ideas

Found this list online at www.bidforkids.com. We take no credit for this list of ideas but still thought it was worth the post.

1. Holiday Helper - Winner receives family photo session for Xmas card taken by donor, address and mail Xmas Cards (stamps included), wrap Xmas gifts, plate of Xmas cookies and hot cocoa for the winning family to enjoy.
2. Business Start Up Package - (sample idea for a $400 value package) - Winner receives 1 yr membership to Chamber of Commerce, 500 business cards, 1 hr consultation with accountant, $50 Office Depot gift certificate.
3. Sunday Brunch at a Rock City (Mt. Diablo) – (sample idea) - Donor meets 3 winning families at a Rock City on Mt Diablo. Donor provides food (continental breakfast, snacks and water) guides a short hike, organizes play and climbing at Rock City.
4. Gourmet Concert in the Park – (sample idea) - there are several cities (Pleasant Hill included) that have free summer concerts that are ton of fun. Donor selects the concert date and site for party of Donor arrives to venue early to set up prime spot and provides seating, blankets, gourmet appetizers and wine.
5. Gourmet Meals in a Pinch – Everyone has one day each week where the kids schedule is so crazy it’s nearly impossible to get a home cooked meal made. This is a sample idea for 3 donors who love to cook. Each donor contributes 4 already made entrees that can be frozen and reheated. This will give the winner a meal a week to pop in the oven to use when in a pinch. In total, the winner will get a 3 month supply of meals.
6. National Park Package – (sample idea)- Donor provides a national park family pass, hiking book, maps, REI gift certificate, trail mix, water bottles.
7. Free Ad Space – This would be a great win for those who have their own business. See if local publications will donate ad space ie- Diablo Magazine, Pleasant Hill Community paper or other local publications.
8. Bagels in Bed – (sample idea) – Donor provides winner with a bag of hot bagels, cream cheese and hot coffee delivered to their door on the first Saturday of the month for 3 months.
9. PHE Families with Connections- Do you know anyone who could donate? An aunt, uncle, friend, neighbor??
10. Season Ticket Holders – Any PHE families with season tickets who can donate tickets to one game/match?
11. Airline Miles – Donor to donate frequent flier miles.
12. Mom’s Morning Off – (sample package) - Donor provides 4 hrs of babysitting, gift certificate for a mani/pedi, gift certificate to lunch at a downtown restaurant, basket of teas or lotions.
13. The $5000 Party. 5 hosts each pay $200. 50 attendees pay $100 each. Food, drinks, & dancing provided. Host at your house or your clubhouse. Get a band to donate and really take this party up a notch!
14. Babysitting Night. Agree to host 4 or more kids for a couple of hours so that parents can have date night.
15. Restaurant Donation. We all know that restaurants are hurting this year due to a weak economy. However, what if you asked a restaurant to match your donation? Get a gift certificate at any restaurant and have the restaurant match your certificate.
16. Mr. and Mrs. James Bond for a Weekend. Know any car dealers?? What if a couple was able to rent an Aston Martin or other amazing car for the weekend? Could it include a hotel or resort stay somewhere?
17. A Chef’s Meal at Home. Do you know a chef who would be willing to cook for a party at someone’s house? Maybe give a lecture on organic ingredients? Or how to cook with fresh herbs? Or what about pairing wine?
18. Box Seats. Do you know of someone or a company who has box seats to the Raiders, As, Giants or 49ers? Do they want them for a Green Day or American Idol concert? Could they donate the box seats for a concert?
19. Immediate Reservation. Could you get an immediate reservation at French Laundry or other restaurant who is booked months in advance?

Sequoia Elementary Online Auction

Sequoia is what you might call our sister auction school. We are teaming up with them 3rd year running to share ideas and offer support to each other. Our PHE Auction Team volunteers to work the evening of their auction so they can have fun and enjoy their auction. In turn they do the same for us. The Sequoia Elementary Online Auction is up and running. They are trying something new this and have put their items online and open to all bidders. If you are looking for classroom ideas you can check out their classroom projects too.

Spring Gala April 17th, 2010

6th Annual Spring Gala is April 17th! Debbie Shess is our new Gala Chair so please contact her and let her know how you can help. She can be emailed at dshess@pheef.org.

DATE: Saturday, April 17th 2010
TIME: 5:30pm to Midnight
WHERE: Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill
ATTIRE: Cocktail (no jeans allowed at country club)

Ways in which you can help:

• Order Gala tickets online- new this year/coming soon
• Help us procure great items for the auction...who do you know?
• Advertising in Program
• Get Gala Forms online - coming soon
• Support your class projects/room parents
• Invite families & friends attend
• Sell raffle tickets
• Send your ideas to the auction team

Raffles this year:

• $500 Visa Gift Card: BLUE Raffle Tickets - $10 each
• Applie iPod Touch: ORANGE Raffle Tickets - $5 each (there are two iPods up for raffle)
• Instant Wine Cellar (Stock up with over 50 bottles of wine from the Wine Thieves): WHITE

Auction packets were sent home before Winter break they included a newsletter, donation form and raffle tickets.