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.

PHEEF Results from AIOD - 2009

Our PHE Community Rocks!!!

In a time when all the talk seems to be about the state of our poor economy and horrific budget cuts our school community proved they value the children and education. All-In-One-Day (AlOD) was a banging success and we doubled our donation intake! Last year at AIOD the PHEEF received $22,000 this year… $43,000 and still counting! We asked you to step it up at AIOD and you did!!! The suggested donation was $180/child or a dollar a day and we received everything from $15 to $1000 with a lot of $180’s in between.

Big thanks to all the families, parents, grandparents, guardians & PHE staff for your GENEROUS contributions!!!!

The Foundation has become an important cornerstone to PHE by providing resources and services to our students which otherwise would not be covered bythe school district. If you were unable to give at AIOD but would like to help, you can still give any time, any amount. It’s never too late donate! Simply donate right now via our PayPal button on the right column.

New PHEEF Website

NEW this school year, we now have our own PHEEF website at www.pheef.org!

Visit the website for detailed information on the Foundation. Also NEW this year is a Paypal feature for electronic donations. Anyone can donate via PayPal including family, friends or the community.

Check it out!

Welcome to the new school year - 2009-2010!

California’s drastic budget cuts have impacted all schools, specifically

• Reduction of teachers
• Increase in classroom size
• Loss of programs such as music and PE

The good news PHE has an excellent community of parents and a well established Education Foundation.

In light of the budget cuts and changes the Foundation is working with Principal Jennifer Voris to reallocate funding to better impact our children’s education. Our proposed plan is to fund:

• two accredited part-time teachers (possibly more) to support all grade levels in language arts and mathematics
• a computer lab aide for all grades
• PE instructors
• possibly more (depending on donations at All-in-One Day)

The framework is still being laid out but the PHEEF is committed to working with Principal Voris to ensure our children receive the best education possible.

The membership drive at All-in-One Day is PHEEF’s SECOND largest fundraiser of the year. A school year consists of 180 days and just $1-a-Day can help fund teachers, a computer lab aide, PE instructors and more with your donations.

Support the Foundation at All-in-One Day on Aug 26th, 2-7pm!

PHEEF Tax ID #: 68-0413243

Budget Cuts

Dear PHE Families and Community,

Many parents have expressed concern about the recent cuts in school funding and have also asked what, if anything, is being done to address shortfalls.

Over the past month, the Pleasant Hill Elementary Education Foundation (PHEEF) and Principal Voris have had on-going communication about the ever-changing budget situation and budget impacts on PHE education. Budget directives from MDUSD and the state are still being finalized and the implications are still being sorted out at each school. We don’t know the exact needs for the '09/'10 year, but we do know that the needs will be greater than before.

We are sending this letter now to allow families time to budget for increased All-in-One Day contributions to PHEEF in August and to assure the parents of PHE, the Foundation will work with Mrs. Voris to evaluate and prioritize upcoming needs. We will continue to preserve our strong presence at PHE made possible through your generous donations.

Thank you to our PHE community and parents for supporting PHE and making it one of the outstanding elementary schools in the district.

Feel free to leave us comments, ideas and suggestions.

Keep a Watch Out

Stacey Schiager and Tara Campbell have a few items left over from the auction that we'll put up for bid. Were still figuring out the details, but watch the blog, eNews or backpacks for information on how to get an opportunity to bid.

Auction Results 2009

Auction has earned nearly $41,000!

The Gala was once again very successful! We had a great night if mingling, bidding, dancing but most important a night of giving. Here are some of the big earners from the night:

• $1445 Cakes
• $3080 Photos
• $3421 Class Treasures
• $10,270 Live Auction
  

Another earning highlight was Fund A Need, which is part of Live Auction where people make cash donations. We received everything from $500 to $25. Our guests donated over $5k!!! You know it's a great school and community when you look over and see our teachers donating too! Simply an amazing night!

Thanks to everyone for your help and making the Gala yet another success! 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!

Photo Board - Thanks to Laura Cottril

Teachers

The RoomMingling
Dancing the Night Away

Preview Day

Yesterday was your chance to get an early peak at class projects and what our student artisans created for the auction.

Bohner's Class Project - Word Art

Patterson Class ProjectBryan Class Project

Doll house by Anne Winterich. She's invested loads of loving time into this project. Just a few more touches need to be done before Saturday.

Preview Day

Here's a sampling of what some of student artisans have done:

Live Auction List

Here's what you can find in LIVE this year:

1. Giants Baseball Tickets
2. Contra Costa Country Club Golf for Four & Cart
3. An Evening Out with Matt Nathanson - Concert Package
4. Private Tasting for 10 at Wine Thieves
5. Claremont Spa Renewal Getaway Package for Two
6. Bidders Choice of Art
   
7. Jamaica Me Crazy, mon! Dinner Party for 10
8. Hidden Valley Lake House - Two Nights/Three Days
9. Principal for a Day
10. Six Hour Napa Wine Tour
11. Bass Lake House - Three Night/Four Day
12. Kid Trip 12...Kids vs. Wild - Family Camping Trip
13. Hiking and Hamburgers with Sitka and Mrs. Voris
14. Naughty Basket

and....we've slipped in a surprise item...but we're not giving any hints! You'll just have to come to find out.

Class Basket & Project Preview - ONE DAY ONLY

It worked so well last year, that again this year we will have an early preview day of class projects/baskets. You will be able to catch a first glimpse at what our creative classes have pulled together! Both children and adults welcome! Please take the time to stop in and admire the hard work of our PHE parents and students. As well it will be the last chance to buy Gala tickets (if any are left) and to buy raffle tickets. Our raffles are a Flat Screen TV and “Instant Wine Cellar.” No need to be present at the auction to win.

When: Tuesday Mar 17th
Where: MU Room
Time: 2-6pm

Absentee Bidder Forms will be available for class projects & baskets on preview day ONLY.

The way it works:

1. Fill out the Absentee Bidder Form completely with your highest possible bid (incomplete forms will be denied.)
2. The auction team will use your Absentee Bidder Form to try and purchase your selected item(s) for the lowest possible price, taking into account other bids.
3. If identical bids are left, the auction team will give precedence to the first one received.
4. All successful bids are subject to the terms and Auction Rules printed in the front of each program.
5. You will be notified the following week if you were a lucky winner! Arrangements will be made for you to pick up your item(s).

Nicosia Class Project - Circular Serendipity 1 & 2

You can see these in person tomorrow Tuesday the 17th, in the MU room from 2-6pm. Please visit the auction Preview Day. Our parents and students have worked very hard to create wonderful items for our Spring Gala. Thanks to Debbie Shess for implementing this project!

Hiking and Hamburgers with Sitka and Mrs. Voris

Just in....Sitka (Mrs Voris' dog) and Mrs. Voris will be your guide on a 1 to 3 hour moderate hike in the beautiful Open Space of the Mt. Tamalpias 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!

What You Need: Walking Shoes, Layered Clothing, Water, Your Appetite.
Date of Hike: Saturday, April 4, 2009, or alternative date: Saturday, May 2

All snacks and food will be provided to the members of your family. Vegetarian options will be provided upon request.

Strum Class Project

Thanks to Jana Vinogradov for this class project! Super cute!

Kids vs. Wild - Family Camping Trip (LIVE Auction)

The third year running...Stokes Family Camping Trip is once again a hot LIVE auction item. Whether you like to camp or not this is the trip for you. Last year's theme was Wacky Olympics...this year Kids vs. Wild. Many PHE families attend as well as new friends to meet. See program for more details and picture board displayed at the Gala. Dates July 23-26.

What’s included:

• Pinecrest camping location/site
• Tent (if you need it)
• Fri night dinner & adult beverages
• Sat night catered dinner & adult beverages
• Breakfast Saturday & Sunday
• Smores at the campfire
• Disposable plates, cups, napkins & flatware (for everyone at camp)
• Friday morning mountain bike ride (adults only or very experienced teen)
• Friday night happy-hour for the ladies
• Lots of games, activities, beach fun, campfires, night parade, movie night, dance night & much more fun
• Pay showers down at the store or typically an outdoor shower set up at camp

What do you need to bring:

• Tent, sleeping bags
• Folding chairs for your family
• Snacks, drinks, coffee, tea, lunch (there’s a burger shack at the lake)
• Personal items, such as clothes, toiletries
• Beach gear

Here's what last year's winner Katheryn Lindenauer had to say:
"We were the lucky winners of the Pinecrest family camping trip from last year’s Spring Gala auction. We heard from our good friends how much fun it was, so we decided to bid. Our experience exceeded our expectations. We are a family of five and not experienced campers. Getting our tent (Ron called it the ‘taj mahal’!) was a feat in and of itself. Fortunately there were many people willing to help us out. Once we got settled, and after laughing at ourselves, things just got better and better. There was something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights:

• My little shy 5 year old throwing caution to the wind during family dance night. He was a sight to see!
• The girls making new friends, both big and little. Some of their favorite things: playing on the raft in the lake, competing at the Olympic games, free time to just climb rocks and explore with new and old friends.
• For Jim: the best technical downhill mountain bike ride ever! He loves a challenge.
• For me: watching the crazy dads race inner tubes on the lake… I don’t remember laughing so much for so long. I also had the perfect bike ride and enjoyed sharing mai tais with new friends.

My new friend, Otis, said it best, “This is better than Disneyland!” Overall, we had a really fun time and were impressed at how organized Ron and Lori were in the planning and execution of the whole trip from meals, games, activities... there was never a dull moment."

stokes family

beach fun

wacky olympic games

dad's tube race

sat night catered dinner

Bass Lake Home - LIVE Auction Item

The first of many live items to come!

Nestled in the mountains near Yosemite is this wonderful family cabin on beautiful Bass Lake. Plenty 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 you’ll find yourself enjoying a little piece of heaven in the Sierra’s. Enjoy this cabin for 3 nights & 4 days.

This is a spacious cabin with six bedrooms (sleeps 12) plus an additional sleeping porch which sleeps four more, three full baths, a fully 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 the 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. Check out the property and it's amenities online.

Scott Class Project

Abramsom Class Project

Hotter Class Basket - DATE NIGHT!!!

It's been decided....it's so good it has to go into LIVE Auction!

Need a night out? This class basket includes the time of your life... you will laugh, cry, sing and shake your hips... This is the Matt Nathanson/Jack Mannequin night out! If you are lucky enough to get this basket you will receive 2 tickets to the Matt Nathanson/Jack Mannequin Concert at the Warfield on April 7th. You will also receive a gift card to Nordstrom to buy that special something for the evening, an additional gift card to Pasta Pomodoro for dinner before the show and two BART tickets to get to the show safely.

A quick bio on Matt Nathanson...He is a local guy gone big. He most recent release is "Some Mad Hope" his 10th record. Lets just say Matt is the hardest working guy in the music business...He has been writing songs and performing for over 20 years and his recent success has catapulted him into the spotlight. In the last few months he has been on Good Morning America, David Letterman as well the Ellen show. He is a current "you oughta know artist" on VH1 and has spent several weeks in their top 20. You have probably heard his music on any of number of TV shows from Private Practice to One Tree Hill. His current hit "come on get higher" is really sparked the attention of the mainstream public including other
major artists Like Sugarland....They cover the song on their latest record. He will be performing with Sugarland this summer on their arena tour.

Matt is without a doubt one of the best live shows you will ever see. He is not only a great musician he is a phenomenal entertainer. Matt has personally donated to this auction the 2 tickets, 2 t-shirts, 1 sweatshirt, a signed copy of his latest record as well as a signed poster. The basket is worth over $350...so take advantage of this and bid...it will be well worth your investment into our great PHE!

Thank you to Amy Samrick for coordinating this basket!

Raffle Tickets - 2009 Gala

How can I buy raffle tickets???

• Fri, March 13th before school - find Carrie Wallahan walking around school selling tickets
• Fri, March 13th after school - in front of MU
• Tue, Mar 17th, Preview Day, MU 2-6pm
• Contact Stacey Schiager at 938.6221, or email at 4schiager@comcast.net
• AT THE AUCTION on Mar 21st!
  

BLUE Raffle Tickets - $5 each
Insignia® - 26" 720p Widescreen Flat-Panel LCD HDTV, $430 value

WHITE Raffle Tickets - $20 each
“Instant Wine Cellar”: Stock up with over 50 bottles of wine from Wine Thieves and the cellars of our PHE Parents!

You need not be present to win!

The winning raffle tickets will be drawn at the Gala on March 21, 2009. If you buy or sell tickets: fill out the back portion of the ticket, return the ticket(s) & money to the office and drop off in the Spring Gala Box.

Jamaican Me Crazy, mon! - LIVE Auction

Head to Montego Bay for a night of reggae and rum. You and nine of your friends will be "transported" to Jamaica for a night of steel drums, jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, red stripe beer and Caribbean cocktails.

Boat leaves for the island at 5:30pm on Saturday, June 27. See you in Jamaica.

Hosted by Steve & Melissa Oldenbourg. You and your friends won't want to miss this dinner party at the Oldenbourg's house! Get ready to bid, bid, bid during the LIVE Auctionfor this must have dinner party.

Last Year's dinner...Back to Bourbon Street...authentic crawfish boil with jazz band to boot. A legendary event!

Summer Camps and Pools

We all look for things our kids can do in the summer. Here is a sampling of camps and swim clubs you will find at the auction. The program will have more details.

CAMPS
Galileo
Roughing It Day Camp
Saint Mary's Athletic Summer Camps
California Adventure Camp

SWIM CLUBS
Buena Vista Swim Club
Larkey Private Swim Club

One Month of CoreQuest Fitness Bootcamp

Women and men of all fitness levels, sizes and ages are gaining great results with Contra Costa Boot Camp! You can too! Are you looking for a jump-start to your fitness program? Then this adventure is for you! Get it at the Auction!

Whether you are a beginner, an avid fitness enthusiast or just tired of the same routine come try this whole new approach to exercise...fun! Contra Costa Boot Camp is an outdoor fitness program that offers fitness instruction, nutritional counseling and motivational training - packed with fun and energizing activities designed to help you reach your fitness goals. Women only and Coed classes are available. Don't get stuck in a gym paying lots of money, achieving little results and dreading the work-outs. Come outdoors with us for a fraction of the price, and guaranteed success.

Bass Lake Home

Grab the family, friends and your boat for a stay at this Bass Lake home with private marina, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and sleeping porch. Includes all the amenities: local phone access, wireless internet, air conditioning, satellite TV, VCR, washer & dryer, microwave, 2 refrigerators, large decks with gas and charcoal BBQs. Follow this link for pictures and details.

Zagone Class Project - Toy Chest

Toy chest/blanket box lovingly built and painted by the Hibel family (37.5"W x 17.5"D x 22.5" H). Check it out in person at the Preview Day, Tuesday Mar 17 in the MU room 2-6:30pm.

Notes: 1) photo may appear minty but the color tends to be a yellow green. The color looks great with Pottery Barn Kids current color palette. 2) Chris (Sophia's mom) has offered to help find a boy and girl color cushion for the top. Buyer will have a choice at the auction.

Waters Class Project - Poppies

Denise Nash worked with the 3rd graders in Mrs. Waters class to create this original art piece on canvas. An interesting technique using tissue paper and wax. It's propped up on top of my buffet and looks great...will I be able to part with it???

You can see this at the auction or on preview day Tuesday, 3/17 in the MU room from 2-6pm.

Auction Sign-up Parties

Belgian Beer Vs. America’s Belgian Style Beer
Join us for an evening of FUN and GREAT BEERS as we sample 8 different kinds of Beer. Ever heard of Russian River or Jolly Pumpkin? We’ll taste samples from these American brewers and others to see how their Belgian Style beers compare with World Famous Belgian beers like Itchegems Grand Cru, Valdiu Triple and more! If you enjoy a good brew and great company we hope you’ll be able to make this.
DATE: Saturday, June 13, 7:30pm




Flip Flops & Lemon Drops
Get out with the girls and relax! This party will provide up to 35 ladies with a great way to kick off Summer. Enjoy sipping luscious lemon drop cocktails and noshing on fresh, seasonal fare while you lounge in a beautiful backyard setting. Lively music, a telling trivia game and plenty of girly bonding are in store. You are welcome to buy tickets for a friend, sister or neighbor. This event isn't limited to just the ladies. So slip on your comfy flip flops, cute capris or sassy sundress and join us for this ladies' soiree!
DATE: Saturday, May 30th 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.



SF Pub Crawl - Back by popular demand!!! Hit the local San Francisco pub's with old and new friends from PHE. Enjoy touring SF in an open top double-decker which will transport you pub to pub. This will be a sign-up event at the auction. You are welcome to buy as many spots as you would like. There will be 70 spots up for grabs. Donor: http://www.travelsf.com/
DATE: Friday, June 19th 7p.m. - 11:00p.m.

Kameya Class Project - Bracelets

Hand Crafted Cultured Pearl and Colored Stone Bead Bracelet by Mrs. Kameya's 2nd graders.

Each bracelet was hand made by Mrs. Kameya's 2nd graders and is comprised of fresh water cultured pearls and either natural amethyst, citrine or garnet beads. Each has a hand made "Shrinky Dink" heart attached with a sterling silver split ring.

You can see these in person at Preview Day Tuesday, March 17th in the MU from 2-6:30pm.

Ouye Class Project - Monet Creation

Monet another artist studied this year in FAME was the inspiration for the class art project in Ouye's 3rd grade class. Kathleen Olsen divided a Monet print into equal squares, gave each student a square and then each student recreated their square in oil pastels.

It took about 3-4 sessions for the kids to work on the squares but it paid off. The resembled art piece is amazing. The colors & blending are so well done it's hard to believe 3rd graders did it!

As always, it's even better in person. You can see it in person on Preview Day Tuesday 3/17 or at the auction on Saturday, 3/21.

Note: "Gala" is not on the original just our digital file.

Original Painting - Red Daisies

We are very fortunate to receive this piece of original art work by PHE parent and artist Thanh Kemp. Add a splash of color and fun to your walls with this original one of a kind painting. Acrylic on canvas. Wait until you see it in person!

Peek...new portable device

Watch for this at the auction...

Peek is a mobile device devoted to email and texting. Perfect for a non-technical person but allows them to have email & texting access. Ideal for the Grandma who doesn't want a computer but would like access to email.

The company also put a little micro-site up this week that shows how much $ Peek can save over data/texting plans offered by the major carriers.

Mechanics Bank donates $250!

A big thank you to Mechanics Bank!!! They are donating $250 to the Gala. Mechanics Bank in the Lundarie's store has provided the PHEEF with a great local banking service for years. We thank you for giving back to PHE!

Graham Classroom Project - 32 Monkeys

We hope to be posting more and more classroom projects as they come in. Check out "32 Monkeys" an art piece from Graham's 5th grade class. Thanks to Sharon Kurk for putting this together and working with the kids!

This art piece has been inspired by the most current artist the kids have been studying in FAME. Chinese artist, Wang Yani, was born in 1975 and started painting at a very young age. By the time she was three years old, Yani had already created paintings in the bold, dynamic style that would characterize all her work. By age six, Yani had completed over four thousand paintings. In 1989, she achieved something truly unheard of in the art world: at just fourteen years of age, she became the youngest person ever to have a oneperson show at the famous Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Her exhibition was called “Yani: The Brush of Innocence.” Very inspiring for our kids!

14 New Computers

Read about your dollars at work! The Foundation recently purchased 14 new computers for the computer lab which brings the lab to 34 computers which will allow Kindergarten, 4th & 5th to get a full hour of computer lab time and no longer will classes have to split their hour of computer lab time into half hour sessions.

The Foundation received a thank you letters from Gretchen de la O (senior instructional assistant) and the 4th and 5th grade classes. The letters were well written, typed, formatted and printed. There are too many letters to copy here but I've included Gretchen's letter and excerpts from a couple of our students:

I'm a 5th grader in Mrs. Grahams's class and I would like to thank you for buying fourteen new computers for our computer lab. It will help us get more work done. I know that computers can cost a lot of money! You have worked very hard to get these computers. I know how much work you did to raise the money to get these computers.

This gives us a whole bunch of abilities in the computer lab. This gives us twice the time to work on the computer. We can work on our keyboarding skills, work with PowerPoint, do multimedia projects, and use the Internet. The work we will get done in the time I have left at this school is the amount of time we would have spent in the entire year. Next year fourth and fifth grade will be very lucky. Mrs. de la O also thanks you for your help. - Ian Scott

I am a fourth grader in Ms. Gabelman's class. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for buying all those awesome computers for Pleasant Hill Elementary. I think you are really cool for doing that. Now instead of our class having to take turns and only having thirty minutes we get to go at the same time and have a whole hour. And if we have a a whole hour we can have more time to do really cool stuff and of course work and creative stuff. Oh and of course Mrs. de la O is happy about it too. - Dillon Young