Petaluma Educational Foundation readies for ‘Starry Night' bash at its annual fundraiser

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The Petaluma Educational Foundation is bringing back its annual PEF Bash this weekend to raise money benefitting all 35 K-12 public, nonprofit and charter schools in the Petaluma area, including their teachers and students.. This year's gala event, which is themed 'Starry Night,' is set to take place Saturday, Sept. 12 at The Barn at Gambonini Family Ranch, where guests can enjoy live music, dancing, signature cocktails, a sit-down dinner, a silent auction and a live auction. The night will also feature a raffle with many prizes, including a grand prize courtesy of Hollingsworth Jewelry Gallery. Live music will be provided by Bay Area party band Notorious. 'Funding the future of education has never been more important,' said PEF Executive Director Maureen Highland. 'The annual PEF Bash event provides the public an opportunity to hear first-hand how they can partner with others to continue the mission of the foundation as it launches its 44th year as a local nonprofit with a legacy of positively impacting generations of students.' The local foundation has generated nearly $11 million in funds for local students and educators since its founding in 1982. All-inclusive tickets to the bash are $200 per person, and anyone wishing to attend may do so by calling 707-778-4632 or going to pefbash.org. Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting Petaluma-area students through PEF's Impact Grant program, which last year awarded more than $319,000 in grants. That, combined with the total in PEF scholarship awards, amounts to more than $10.8 million in support that PEF has given to the education community since it was established. Applications for the foundation's annual impact grants are currently open and due by Oct. 5. Those looking to apply can do so by visiting the online application portal at pefinfo.com.