Variety of Events to Support School Funding

Whether you like riding rollercoasters, sampling chili or watching Chinese dancers, there is an event to suit your idea of fun in coming weeks, and all benefit the Davis Schools Foundation’s Dollar-a-Day Campaign 2010.

Every single dollar counts; higher denominations are also welcome!

The campaign runs through May 1.  Its goal is to raise money to support the Davis Joint Unified School District’s 2010-11 budget, which has a $5.6 funding shortfall. As of early this week, the campaign had $732,000, and it will soon adjust its fundraising thermometer to reflect tentative agreements on cost-savings between the district and its employee groups.

The five upcoming family events:

Thursday-Sunday (April 8-11): The Emerson Junior High School Carnival is primarily a benefit for the school itself, but the sponsoring PTA plans to donate a portion of proceeds to DSF. The carnival will take place at J and Covell streets. For hours and admission, go to http://www.groups.dcn.org/ejhpta.

April 24: DSF’s Third Annual Schoolapalooza is rapidly taking shape, thanks in large part to assistance from the Davis Downtown Business Association. About 40 businesses have pledged to donate a proceeds of their sales from noon-4:30 p.m. or donate an item for a raffle. Entertainment is scheduled on two stages, one in the E Street Plaza and the other in front of the Varsity Theater on Second St. For a list of participating businesses and what they’re contributing, visit www.davisdowntown.com (click on Events).

May 1: Westlake IGA Market plans a chili cookoff  and family festival from noon-4 p.m. outside the store at 1260 Lake Blvd. Individuals, restaurants, service organizations and other groups are invited to make a $50 tax-donation and enter a chili recipe in the competition. Entry forms and “Official Cook-off Rules” are posted at http://www.westlakeiga.com. Also planned: other food and beverages, children’s activities and music.

May 1: “Culture in Motion” Benefit Concert. NewStar Chinese School, a nonprofit organization that offers classes in Chinese language and culture, plans an evening performance in which 100 percent of the profits will go to DSF. It will start at 7 p.m. in the Brunelle Auditorium at Davis High School. Ning Wan, NewStar principal, is putting together a lineup of performers from throughout the region and promises a high-quality, family-friendly show. Tickets will go on sale soon at DSF’s table at the Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

May 7-9: The Davis High School Honors Orchestra and Hanneke Lohse’s dance company are collaborating on a special opening to Lohse’s spring concert. It is designed to heighten awareness about the schools foundations’ campaign, and a wine-tasting benefit is planned at intermission. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 7 and 8, and 5:30 p.m. May 9 at the VETS Memorial Theater. Tickets are on sale for $12 each at the Davis Art Center.