The Napa Valley Education Foundation is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to support educational opportunities for all students enrolled in the Napa Valley Unified School District — American Canyon, Napa and Yountville cities — more than 17,000 students, which is approximately 83 percent of all students in public schools throughout the entire Napa Valley.

Since 1983, we have awarded more than $1 million in teacher grants, grants that immediately impact the educational experience students enrolled in NVUSD schools. These grants are given to teachers who have identified a need in their classroom or school site and have submitted a formal grant proposal outlining the needs, the impact on students and the succession plan for its use. We intend to expand this type of giving and our goal is to fund districtwide programs that benefit all students in a particular grade level throughout the entire NVUSD. The program areas we provide funding for are technology, art, music, special needs and Healthy Whole Child (physical fitness and health education).

Although public education is supposed to be free, the state allocation to our district is less than the bare minimum needed and far less than most states allocate to their public educational systems. California funds allocated to NVUSD are approximately $6,000 per student, while in other states the funds allocated are upwards of $18,000 per student. Our district has amazing teachers who strive to provide an outstanding educational experience to their students. That quality can only be maintained with the support of our local community to help bridge the gap that education is facing today.

In an effort to raise funds, the Napa Valley Education Foundation is proud to once again host Taste for Knowledge, the signature annual dinner where funds are raised to support the NVEF programs. The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 11, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Silverado Resort. The entire community is invited to support our schools and enjoy an elegant evening.

This year’s guests are treated to a sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres reception during the silent auction on the Fairway Deck, followed at 7 p.m. by a special four-course, seated food-and-wine pairing dinner and live auction in the grand ballroom. This unique dining experience is being created especially for this event by Silverado Executive Chef Peter Pahk. The popular Dan Monez serves as our auctioneer. Wines to be served have been generously donated by Benessere Vineyards, Beringer Vineyards, Elizabeth Spencer Wines and Mumm Napa Valley.

In addition to our silent and live auction items, such as wonderful wines, jewelry, amazing dinners in the valley, a sailing excursion on the bay, a trip to Hawaii and other destinations, is our Fund-A-Need program. The proceeds of this year’s “Raise Your Paddle” supports the NVEF’s Music Connection Program. This program supplies band and string instruments at low-cost rentals to students throughout the NVUSD. This school year, the Music Connection had to turn away students seeking instruments. The NVEF would like to make sure that next year more instruments are available as students sign up for music class at their schools.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, will be joining us and will assist our board in honoring the three individuals for outstanding support and contributions to our NVEF educational programs within the NVUSD. This year’s recipients are: Brian Kelly, Charter Oak Bank, business advocate of the NVEF; Don Evans, NVUSD facilities and construction project manager; and Robin Hampton, director of the NVEF Music Connection program.

I hope you consider attending our event to support public education. Tickets are $125. Tables accommodate from eight to 10 persons and can be reserved in advance. To receive an invitation or order tickets, please e-mail foundation@nvusd.k12.ca.us; call 253-3563; or visit www.nvef.org. Seating is limited; please make sure to purchase your tickets early.

In closing, I always suggest to my friends, if you are someone who likes to support your community and you annually give to nonprofits in Napa, please have the Napa Valley Education Foundation be one of your chosen few. Our personal future depends on how we educate the youth in our community. The kids of today will be our future leaders and we want to provide them with as many tools and knowledge to help aid them in their endeavors. We, all of us, have the opportunity to help locally and to provide the kids of Napa the chance to receive a great education. We can accomplish this by working together and raising funds to support district-wide programs.

On behalf of the NVEF, and, more importantly, on behalf of the students enrolled in our public schools, thank you in advance for your support! We hope to see you Oct. 11!

(Wyckoff is board president of NVEF.)ꆱ