PPIE Raises Over $100,000 for Pleasanton Schools

From Pleasanton Partners in Education:

Pleasanton Partnerships In Education (PPIE) Foundation hosted their 9th annual culinary event, “Bon Appetit – Toasts & Tastes of Fall” on October 6, 2012 at CarrAmerica in Pleasanton. This festive cocktail party featured fifteen culinary teams, each consisting of a Corporate / Community sponsor, a Pleasanton School District School Principal, and a local Chef.

Each team offered a culinary offering with a paired wine. A cash prize was awarded to Executive Chef Matt Greco of Restaurant at Wente Vineyard for his savory winner “Lamb Pastrami with Coriander Aioli, Pickled Onion & Rye Crisps.” Eddie Pappa’s won the sweet category with their “New Orleans Butterscotch Beignets.” Judging was conducted by Narsai David, KCBS Food & Wine Editor, Juliette Goodrich, KPIX News Reporter, Carol Newman, Freelance Food Writer & Editor, and Lory Hawley, Freelance Food Photographer.

Corporate Sponsors enjoyed the evening greeting guests and pouring wine. They included: Balloons & Beyond, Black Tie Transportation, City of Pleasanton, The Clorox Company, ClubSport Pleasanton, Frank-Lin Fine Wines & Spirits, Fremont Bank, Kaiser Permanente, KKIQ, Oracle, Pleasanton Police Officers Foundation, Pleasanton Party Rentals, PUSD, Robert Half International, Vulcan Materials, and Wells Fargo Bank.

This year’s theme being “Toasts & Tastes of Fall” lent support to the incredible décor Shawn Batoy and the decorating committee provided. Pumpkins, gourds, and grape vines all added to the breath-taking look of the evening. Incredible balloon sculptures were donated by Balloons & Beyond. In addition to tempting culinary delights and exquisite wines, guests also enjoyed live music presented by “The Crisis”, a martini bar, and an auction.

Over 300 guests attended the gala while creating an opportunity for our business community to partner with our school representatives to enjoy an evening of networking, fun, and great food! Via sponsorships and auction activities, this event was one of PPIE’s major fundraising efforts and raised over $100,000 for Pleasanton Schools! Proceeds support PPIE’s Giving Fund to protect cut programs as well as the PPIE Grant Program for students and faculty of the Pleasanton Unified School District.

For more information on how you can become a sponsor and donate to PPIE, please contact the PPIE office (925) 846-5620 or mail@ppie.org. Or visit the website at www.ppie.org

To see more of this year's event in photos: PPIE’s: Toasts & Tastes of Fall in Photos