Guest Column: ECHS Casino Night Fundraiser Aims to Send Graduating Seniors to Disneyland

By Karen Shebek

On March 9, the El Cerrito Community Center will become a hotspot for dancing and dining to benefit the students of El Cerrito High School.

The event called "The Event" will raise funds to send El Cerrito High School seniors to Disneyland for Grad Night, and will include a raffle and live and silent auctions.

Because having one dancing theme is boring, The Event has two: salsa and disco. Unleash your inner Sofia Vergara or Donna Summer, allowing you to remember how it felt to be young and free in the 70s (though we're sure you weren't even born then), or older and suaver in Latin America (even if you've
never actually been there). Go ahead and dress up like a disco queen/king or like Shakira. It's all good.

Since dancers can work up a mighty thirst, The Event will provide a no-host bar that features beer and wine, along with 70s favorite gin and tonic and a house sangria (and by "house" we mean that it was made at somebody's house).

Yes, there's really nothing better than dressing up, dancing with wild abandon, and sipping atasty themed beverage – unless, of course, you don't dance. Many folks would prefer a lengthy,unmedicated dental procedure to an evening of dressed-up salsa and/or disco dancing (though they may not object to a tasty themed beverage). They want to support the worthy youth of El Cerrito High
School, and perhaps even public education in general, but not at the cost of their dignity.

To address this conundrum, The Event will provide a special space for non-dancers: a "sports lounge" that includes a pool table, Foosball, sports videos, and easily accessible smokehouse almonds and beer.

The live and silent auctions will feature a variety items for the home, your pet, entertainment, local services and classes, local lodging and dining. New this year, our high school seniors are forming groups to auction services like babysitting, kid party help and more and other items related to the school like
signed jerseys or performing arts posters.

Prizes include SF Giants tickets, a GoPro Action Camera, and a $250 American Express gift card.

Your ticket price will also cover tempting finger-foods along the lines of the 70s, salsa and sports lounge… parent volunteers are coming up with ideas like BBQ sliders, mini tacos, mini-quiches, etc.

Whether you prefer to dress up for dancing or dress down for shooting some pool, come to The Event and support ECHS! It's a fun night out for a good cause. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

To buy tickets or for more information about your business making a tax deductible donation, email Beth Crespan at vlek@pacbell.net, or call 510-526-5844.