Thousands of dollars worth of swag is up for grabs, all aimed at supporting 撸奶社区children.
The Cedar Valley Waldorf School's eighth annual Gala Auction has some "hot ticket" items on this year's bidding list, said event organizer Gabriel Alden Hull. Besides an evening of entertainment provided by Vancouver folk/Indie band Ivory Sky, gala-goers will get a chance to raise their paddle on items such as a weekend for two of cat skiing with Backcountry Snow Cats, passes to Scandinave Spa, Arcteryx outdoor gear and a $1,000 photo session with photographer George Gabara.
"It's an evening of music, food and a fantastic opportunity for some early Christmas shopping," Alden Hull said.
Cedar Valley Waldorf School (CVWS) was started in 2000 by a group of parents hoping to bring a Waldorf school to Squamish. Under their initiative, in 2002, Morningstar Kindergarten was established with 15 children. Four years later the institution grew to include grade-school classes and was recognized as an independent school by B.C.'s Ministry of Education. Now a fully established Waldorf school, CVWS has 90 students attending classes from kindergarten to Grade 8.
"CVWS will not turn any school-aged child away for financial reasons, and the Gala Auction, our biggest annual fundraiser, enables us to keep Waldorf education accessible to all families," Alden Hull said.
With the current global economic downturn, the school has seen more parents seeking help with tuition fees, said Kristen Andrews, the school's parent initiative coordinator. Parents pay what they can, but the organization aims to keep its doors open to everybody, she said.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to have a Waldorf education," Andrews said.
Waldorf schools offer a holistic education. Teachers focus on educating the "head, heart and hands," Andrews said. The school views education as "lighting a fire rather than filling a pail," she added.
The gala's $25 ticket price includes two drinks, savoury appetizers and a decadent chocolate fondue with fruit, sweet and salty treats. The gala takes place at the Brackendale Art Gallery tonight (Friday, Nov. 18) at 7 p.m. If you bring your friends along, the school is offering a "Friend Pack" - six tickets for the price of five.
Tickets are available at Billie's Bouquet and at the school. For more information call (604) 898-3287 or visit www.cedarvalleyschool.com.
CVWS hosts school tours the last Wednesday of every month except December. Parents interested in learning more about the school can show up at the facility, at 38265 Westway Ave., at 9:15 a.m. The tour can run between 45 minutes to an hour.
