The Campbell Reporter
Community
Assistant League of Los Gatos fundraiser benefits students in Campbell schools
By Alicia Upano
The Assistance League of Los Gatos-Saratoga holds its sixth annual Antique Show and Tell Fundraiser on March 10 to benefit its philanthropic efforts, which includes programs in the Campbell and Moreland schools.
The league has invited nine appraisers, including Gary Espinosa and Malcolm Walker of Bonhams & Butterfield Auction House, to provide two free informal appraisals for attendees. The $55 ticket also includes appetizers from Dio Deka in Los Gatos, and samplings from the Cooper Garrod Vineyards and Equinox Champagne Cellars.
Last year, the fundraiser sold out and the league raised $25,000. This year's silent auction includes sports and opera tickets, cooking classes, cocktail parties, and vacations in Cambria, Maui and Lake Tahoe.
Norma Stewart, who heads the league's philanthropic projects, said the majority of funds raised go directly toward programs that benefit the community. Volunteers cook lunch for seniors in Saratoga four times a week, and regularly spend time in Campbell-area schools.
The league purchases jackets and shoe vouchers for children in the Campbell Union, Moreland and Los Gatos school districts, and provides science camp scholarships for students at Campbell, Monroe and Rolling Hills middle schools.
League members also encourage the love of reading by volunteering at Blackford, Rosemary, Sherman Oaks, Baker and Anderson elementary schools. They read to children monthly, and give each child three books throughout the school year. For many of these children, these are the first books they have owned, Stewart said.
Last year, the league started a walking program with Rosemary Elementary School fourth-graders to encourage exercise and nutrition, and to combat child obesity.
The Antique Show and Tell Fundraiser takes place at Hotel Los Gatos, 210 Main St., on March 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For tickets, call 408.356.4274 or email jehrhardt@verizon.net. To volunteer at Campbell schools through the league's programs, call 408.278.5300.
