The group ABC+ has been attempting to raise funds for the International Baccalaureate program at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. The program was cut last year because of dwindling education finances.
“We knew we didn’t have much time to raise the money,” said Michelle de Werd the head of ABC+. “It would be a tough time to try and put together an auction, there just was not enough time. The only other idea I could come up with was a local art fair,” she added.
The reason for the rush was due to an anonymous donor pledging $70,000 if the Valley could match that amount by the end of January. Just prior to the event, donations totaled $58,600. But after a long day of selling BBQ lunches and works of art, the number was boosted to $74,500, exceeding the amount needed for the matching grant.
“We are so fortunate with this can-do attitude in our community. We have come together supporting challenging, quality academic programs for our children,” said de Werd. She also added that the group had received generous donations from individuals and groups. Among the donors was David Crosby, who contributed $11,000 to the effort – some of which came from ticket sales on his national tour with Crosby, Stills and Nash. The Santa Ynez Valley lunchtime Rotary also chipped in with a $6,000 donation. Much of the necessary items needed to hold the fair were donated. The Saarloos Sideyard was used free of charge. More than 450 mouthwatering lunches, donated by the Hitching Post, sold for $10 each. Perhaps one of the most important donations came from the artist in attendance.
More than 20 artists joined the event, each giving 20 percent of their proceeds to ABC+. De Werd said they jumped on board and quickly filled all the available space when they heard the booths were free to artists who donated some of their profit. De Werd estimates the event brought in more than $10 thousand in income for local artist.
The funds will go to reinstating the IB program at the high school. The curriculum was originally developed for the children of U.S. diplomats living in Switzerland. It focuses on a holistic education process, teaching multiple subjects simultaneously. Anybody interested in helping ABC+ should visit: www.syvabcplus.org