The girls marked up the windows of Stefan's car and a handful of other vehicles belonging to Saratoga High students with car-friendly pens. The event, which took place after school on April 27, was an effort to promote the upcoming 25th annual Saratoga High School Sports Boosters Auction and Dinner. The event, featuring both a live and silent auction, takes place May 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.

"It's really fun. We've been there before," said junior Alexandra Wangbickler, a member of the cheerleading song and dance team. "The bidding gets competitive and it's fun to see people go at it."

The auctions features diamond jewelry, collectibles, signed sports memorabilia, specialty wines, themed dinners, event tickets, a motorcycle, vacation homes and worldwide resort accommodations, to name a few. One highlighted item will be 12 VIP box seats at the Mountain Winery to see The Beach Boys, said auction chairwoman Paula Thoren. Another item is a scavenger hunt in limousines followed by a barbecue. The auction is the main Saratoga High Sports Boosters fundraiser of the year and usually brings in more than $100,000.

Stefan explained that not all parents at the school have student athletes, and there are many community members who might not be conscious of the value of the school's athletic department.

"It's important that we keep people aware of the active sports at our school. An auction helps people to be more aware," Stefan said. "It's a good idea to keep our sports going because they are a big representation of our school."

Proceeds from the auction help pay for salaries for assistant coaches, a certified trainer, a strength and conditioning coach, first aid and training supplies, sports equipment, uniforms that can be recycled and field maintenance costs.

"There's never enough money in the school district's budget to pay for all the coaches, trainers, supplies and most of the team uniforms," said Kelly Barryhill, a Sports Boosters parent volunteer.

The fundraiser also benefits every sport at the school, from cheerleading to badminton, swimming, tennis, softball, football and basketball. Barryhill said people might not understand that Sports Boosters supports every sport. Even though the volleyball team hasn't needed new nets lately, it doesn't mean it's not supported by Sports Boosters.

"We support the need when the need arises," Barryhill said.

In addition, every sport at the school uses the skills and supplies provided by certified athletic trainer Heidi Peterson.

"A lot of the parents forget that," Barryhill said.

Peterson said Sports Boosters provides all the supplies but also all the services that help protect student athletes and reduce their risk of injury.

"I believe kids this age deserve and need to have this kind of care," Peterson said.

Thoren said the purpose of Sports Boosters, which was incorporated in May 1979, is to support all athletic teams and individual athletes at Saratoga High and to supplement school funds to provide for the needs of the athletic program.

"Everything costs more, so it just has to go further," Barryhill said. "We have to pay for more things than they did 25 years ago, and there are more sports."

The program also enhances school spirit through athletic events, recognizes scholar and outstanding athletes and provides capital improvements to enhance the athletic programs.

The auction is $125 per person and includes a sit-down dinner under the stars. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Sarah Rothenberg at 408.867.5810 or Jeanine Seagraves at 408.867.1524.