February 2010 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

Want to see the fruits of an arts program that is generously supported by the merchants and residents of Noe Valley? Come to Alvarado Elementary School's 17th annual Not-So-Silent Auction on Saturday, March 20. Titled "Fiesta en el Jardín de Arte," this year's auction will reflect the school's Latino influence and its commitment to art in education.

During February, Alvarado's students will gather by classroom to make furniture, wall art, blankets, and dishes to put up for auction in the "Garden of Art."

Once the big event arrives, bidders can do battle or pool their money to buy one-of-a-kind art works, gift certificates from local stores, hikes in the San Bruno Mountains, or gingerbread-making parties for future Iron Chefs. A silent auction before the live bidding will offer summer camp packages, hotel stays, and other big-ticket items.

Local Stores Are Loyal Donors

Many of the auction items come from merchant donations, which remain strong despite the sputtering economy. Bill Hoover , who owns 24th Street's Gallery of Jewels with his wife Dona Taylor, has been donating to local schools ever since his Noe Valley site opened 20 years ago.

"It's one of those things where you give a little and you get a little," says Hoover, who started issuing gift certificates when his son was at Noe Valley's Debra King Preschool. The school gets the money, and the store gets more pairs of eyes looking over the jewelry of its 120 designers.

Cover to Cover bookstore on Castro Street has been another strong supporter.

"This neighborhood has been very good to us," says Mark Ezarik, who owns the shop with Tracy Wynne. "Anything we can do to give back to the neighborhood, we're very happy to do so."

Ezarik and Wynne make schools a priority, he says. "There are a lot of worthwhile causes, but we always give to the schools because they always need it."

In turn, Alvarado families make shopping locally a priority, says auction co-chair Diane Smith.

"We feel fortunate to be in Noe Valley, where the gen erous businesses also happen to be great places to shop," she says.

Tickets to the March 20 auction cost $30 and will buy you food, beer and wine, and a rollicking good time. Neighbors, friends, and prospective Alvarado parents are all invited. The party runs from 6 to 11 p.m., at the Janet Pomeroy Center, 207 Skyline Boulevard.

Don't forget to stay until 10:30 p.m., when the Grand Raffle drawing takes place. Raffle tickets cost $10 each, with a price break for those who buy in blocks of five or 10 tickets. Winners will get a Napa getaway, a Netbook, and a digital camera, though they can always opt for the cash prizes of $500, $300, and $150, respectively. Tickets will be for sale at the Saturday Noe Valley Farmers' Market for the three weekends before the auction.

All proceeds from the auction and raffle go to the PTA and help fund the school's educational, arts, and outdoor programs.

For more information, raffle, and auction tickets, or to donate an item, visit www.alvaradoschool.net. You are also welcome to contact Alvarado School, 625 Douglass Street, at 695-5695.

SCHOOL CONTACTS

James Lick Middle School
Bita Nazarian, Principal
1220 Noe Street at 25th Street
415-695-5675
www.jameslickptsa.org

Alvarado Elementary School
Robert Broecker, Principal
625 Douglass Street at Alvarado Street
415-695-5695
www.alvaradoschool.net

Fairmount Elementary School
Mary Lou Cranna, Principal
65 Chenery Street at Randall
415-695-5669
www.fairmountschoolpta.org

Mission Education Center
Deborah Molof, Principal
1670 Noe Street at Noe Street
415-695-5313
molofd@sfusd.edu