The 2013-2014 Wine & Dine – Under the Tent!
Dear OTA Families,
We hope this post finds you back in the swing of school and ready to get involved. Please join us for our first 2015 OTA Wine and Dine meeting of the year on Wednesday, October 29th at
Jack and Julio’s in Old Town.
- 2391 San Diego Ave San Diego, Ca 92110
- 6-7pm – Appetizers and wine
- 7-9pm – Meeting
What is the OTA Wine and Dine?
The annual OTA Wine and Dine is said to be one of the most enjoyable, innovative, “nothing like a school fundraiser” in town. It combines top restaurants, exclusive wineries and award winning craft beer vendors in a unique social setting. This is an event you’ll want to attend with your friends and not to be missed!!
- 2015 OTA Wine and Dine will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015.
How much money does it raise?
In the past three years we have raised over $400,000!!! This money has gone directly back into the building blocks of our school. Thanks to YOU, we have successfully reached our goals and invested these funds into the ST Math program, increasing salaries to our beloved teachers and the Ipad Initiative. None of this would be possible without the families that are willing to take the time to help plan this event.
Myth Buster: We are joining a charter school network and we no longer need the funds. Not true. All charter schools in California (and especially schools like OTA which must rent a facility) receive less money per child then traditional public schools. Fundraising will always be an important part of helping us close the gap between what it actually costs to educate each OTA student and what we receive in per pupil funding. It is also a crucial part of providing the most effective learning tools and resources for our children.
What we choose to focus on for this year’s ‘Funded Item’ (improved programs, enhanced curriculum, technology resources) needs to be funded by yours truly, the parents. The funds raised will continue to go through the OTA Foundation and directly back into the program/s of our choice. Join us at our first meeting to be a part of this topic discussion.
How does the Committee work?
New this year, the Gala Committee will work independently of the OTA Foundation. This will ensure we have more time dedicated to Gala planning and allow your focus to be on a single goal. After the Holidays, meetings will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next two Gala Committee meetings will be:
- Wednesday, November 19 and
- Wednesday, December 17th.
Please mark your calendars for these dates. The meetings will be held at participating OTA Wine and Dine restaurants. This will be a great way to support the local businesses that support our school and give us time to dine and enjoy the venue before each meeting commences at 7pm. We are going to make it fun!
What is changing?
We are making every attempt to minimize the ASK to parents. This year, we will focus on the events activities that have created the most return on investment (parent time included). We will continue to grow the Online Auction with a theme of restaurants and entertainment. Other popular items returning are Teacher Experiences, Gala Art (created by OTA students), Live, Funded Auctions and the ever popular Wall of Wine.
Over the past three years the majority of the money raised has been in the Funded Item (raise a paddle). We realize that many of you and our school supporters donate for the sole purpose of improving our school. We want to know what you think should be our ‘item’ for funding this year. We will open the floor for the final 20 minutes of our first meeting solely for this topic. Your input is valuable. Please come with well thought out suggestions. 😉
Whether you are new to the school or a returning family looking for a way to connect, we need you!!!! PLEASE join us for our first meeting and to hear our new plan, share your ideas and determine if there is a specific volunteer position most fitting for you.
Please RSVP to Sandra Gartland on her email Sandra@solsessions.com.
Sincerely,
Your 2015 Gala Co-Chairs,
Sandra Gartland
Monika Haft
Ilana Shupper
Meredith Lurie