{All photos by Brandy Potts}
Today we want to share an extra special Magical Moment with you, as well as a few fabulous photos from our Wild West Extravaganza fundraiser earlier this month. It was certainly a magical evening, and Cozy Faber writes to tell us all about it:
The evening of March first hailed a near-to-full moon which hovered radiantly above the 250 guests of SLOCA’s Wild West Extravaganza. The fiddle and bass wove themselves into the warm spring air and welcomed each partygoer as they entered the Taft Barn to commence the festivities of the evening. The hay strewn floor, rag time piano, hanging twinkle lights and enormous chandeliers accentuated the emotions of connection, community and generosity that everyone present reveled in.
As one traversed the floor, passing saloon gals in costume, Spanish Dons, bartenders and cowboys, they saw to their left a large silent auction amongst the hay bales and to their right a gambling scene right out of the movies. Dealers of black jack and roulette had the crowd shouting robustly with every win—the largest “take” of the night was a trip to Vegas for multiple hands well played. Just beyond and a bit deeper into the barn were the desserts—cakes and pies, candies and treats waiting only for the largest bidder to win each one and be enjoyed by a lucky table. Littered throughout the barn, each student was represented in a “wanted” poster—a photo journal for everyone to see and remember why we were all together. Wine from Opolo and Tolosa along with Bartender Calloway’s home brewed beer whetted the palates of each guest and perhaps warmed each one just a bit more. Dinner combined the delicious flavors of pork, cous cous, hummus and grilled vegetables while tables convened and socialized over a meal shared with folks all purposeful in their reasons for being there: to support our amazing school.
Susie, along with Jill and Todd Talley, shared a vision of why SLO Classical Academy is such an important component in our community as well as in the lives of every student enrolled, and took the opportunity to remind our guests of the importance financial contributions make to the efforts that every teacher and staff member puts forth each day. From this platform of support, dove the live auctioneer bringing the room to a frenzy when a trip to Hawaii was bouncing from three to four thousand dollars, up again to five and six thousand; and finally SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER at $7,000! Accompanying this were experiences sold for $50 each, a chance for a student to read a “spot” on the Crush radio station, bikes from Art’s cyclery and much more.
Things wrapped up with a communal sense of seriously contributing in a major way to our children and their education. From those who participated modestly to those whose contributions were major, we remain grateful: it was an effort which netted a total of $41,000. It was a pleasure to bring a night of festiveness couched in purposeful giving to each and every guest, thank you. As this year’s Wild West event rides into the sunset we look forward to ascending the heights of OLYMPUS in 2014! Start polishing your lightning bolt!
Thanks, Cozy! And here are a few more beautiful photos (thank you Brandy Potts!):
A perfect location – the bridge leading up to the entrance of the Taft Ranch barn
A few of our wonderful volunteers
Ladies and gents having a grand ole’ time
