Foothill High School Kicks Off Spring with ‘Denim and Diamonds’ Parent-Alumni Mixer and Online Charity Auction

By Paul Truex

After a five-year absence, parents and alumni of will finally have a chance to mix it up at the inaugural “Denim and Diamonds” event to be held at 7 p.m. April 28th at the in downtown Pleasanton. 

This casual mix-and-mingle event will feature delicious appetizers, drinks, and entertainment including an exclusive performance by the Foothill Student Jazz Band.

Foothill High School, like many schools across California, is facing unprecedented budget cuts and funding limitations for the current year. 

Those cuts are expected to worsen in the 2012/2013 academic year without significant changes to the state budget. 

The loss in education funding is now threatening a number of Foothill athletic, academic, and social programs. Without independent funding efforts, many 2012/2013 programs may face elimination. 

In response to the new financial realities Brenda McFarlane, Renee Mahdavi, and Katrina Edwards, all volunteer parents of current Foothill students, are spearheading the effort to re-ignite an annual Falcon fundraising event. 

“We’ve been blessed with great schools in Pleasanton," said Brenda McFarlane, Vice President, Foothill Athletic Boosters.

"A broad offering of social and academic programs for our children has always enhanced our top tier public education. ‘Denim and Diamonds’ will be a fun way to get the Falcon community together while helping to provide funding for these student programs in the years to come.”  

In advance of the event, Brenda and other Foothill high school parents scoured the Pleasanton community seeking contributions from families and business for auction during the evening of ‘Denim and Diamonds”. 

Additional items were listed on-line for auction. After only a week, the online auction has collected well over $10,000 in bids on items including Tahoe property rentals, electronic equipment, special access to Foothill High School events, and autographed memorabilia from local sports stars. 

“In such a short amount of time the entire Pleasanton community, various Foothill student groups, and a number of Foothill families have stepped up to be part of the fun” said Renee Mahdavi, Vice President of Fundraising for the Academic and Activities Booster Club. 

“Seeing the student athletes and activity groups donating their time is a reminder of how important this effort is to our community and their experience at Foothill.”

Tickets for Denim and Diamond are $85 each or $150 per pair. Each ticket comes with a voucher for two beverages.  The evening will feature prizes and additional auction items for bid.  Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://fthllab.ejoinme.org/?tabid=353155