The most recent fundraiser, on Nov. 9 at the Grapevine, raised $5,700 for the foundation's programs, Publicity Chair Beth Martinez said. The second annual wine-tasting benefit brought together school faculty members, parents and community supporters in Willow Glen for an afternoon of mingling, sampling hors d'oeuvres, buying wine and participating in a silent auction.

The Grapevine's owner, Cara Finn, donated 15 percent of her sales to the foundation.

"Small businesses can make a difference without taking it out of their own pockets," she said. "It's not easy to be a teacher or administrator at this time."

Willow Glen High School student Kris Johnson provided classical guitar music and a student art exhibit decorated the walls.

Willow Glen Middle and High schools choir director Andrew Eisenmann volunteered his time to staff the silent auction. He said the foundation had been very generous to the two schools' music programs.

"They gave us $5,000 last year for a piano accompanist and $5,500 to continue," Eisenmann said.

He said the foundation also provided the needed funds for a full-time career counselor at Willow Glen High School. "We have more extensive career counseling than any other San Jose Unified school," he added.

San Jose Unified School District board trustee Carol Myers said the foundation has given to the high school's robotics program and helped them purchase new equipment last year. She said the school is also looking for corporate sponsors and engineering mentors. The robotics competition fees cost $4,000 per entry, but most companies sponsor schools that already have the resources, she said.

The foundation is committed to supporting sustainable school programs and does not give toward competition fees, she said.

Martinez said the event drew more than 120 people, which was higher than last year, and included Superintendent Linda Murray and District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager.