POWAY - Students at Tierra Bonita Elementary School can buy their teachers off, parents can bid for better school parking, and the public can pay for some pampering at the 3rd Annual Teacher Auction on Saturday.
The event, which includes a buffet dinner, is organized by the school's Parent Teacher Association and Educational Foundation to fund science, technology, art and reading -- or STAR -- programs for students. Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used for instruction by professional artists, supplemental science presentations, new computers and additional reading support.
"What we're trying to do is bridge the gap between what the state provides and what the district has to provide for an optimal educational environment," said Annalisa Parker, event organizer and parent. "Where the state doesn't do its job, parents have to."
The fundraiser will be held at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, located at 12280 Greens East Road, from 6:30-11 p.m. After more than 100 silent and live auction items -- and teachers -- are gone, the night will culminate with music and dancing. Tickets are available through Friday for $45.
"It is going to be a blast," Parker said. "It is really going to be a classy event."
For the right price, students can spend a day with their teacher ice skating, hiking, biking or picnicking. They can also be treated to a day at the movies, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum, the Stoneridge Country Club Haunted Halloween Party, the San Diego Zoo or Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld, Legoland, Nickel City, the Birch Aquarium, Clay and Latte or the Teddy Bear Factory.
Private instructions from teachers or community professionals are also available for children and adults who want to learn self-defense or how to play tennis, make scrapbooks, get in shape, cook, quilt or even make a movie.
Bidders can also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Channel 10 studio, hold a party at a teacher's house, go on a shopping spree, or get a live look at a cow eye dissection by two Poway science teachers.
Parents can also bid on preferred seating at their child's fifth-grade promotion and priority parking in front to the school, or have the principal chauffeur their child to school after being treated to breakfast.
"We have fun doing it, the families love it and it's a terrific fundraiser," said Tierra Bonita Principal Maureen Newell. "It's fun to get together with the kids socially and the parents usually come. We all just really have a good time."
Dozens of local businesses are also donating their time or products including preparing steak dinners, skin care treatment and golf packages. The auction also includes jewelry, blown-glass art and paintings.
Ashley Furniture of Murrieta will provide a new living room set. Terri Ritter Photography will provide an environmental photo session and a framed 20x24-inch canvas. Magician Jacques Lord will perform at a corporate event, holiday party, graduation party or birthdays, for the right bid.
Temecula Wine Country will provide a tour for 10 people through the Temecula Wineries, door-to-door, in a stretch limo.
Troy Gulati-Brown will prepare and deliver an authentic San Diego-style barbecue with a choice of pulled pork, baby back ribs, beef brisket, the fixings and dessert for up to 20 people.
If you want to help support education without getting anything in return, you can bid on animal supplies and treats for your pet, give a teacher a paid day off, or sponsor a classroom's science lab.
Parker said the parents hope to sell 200 tickets and raise $50,000.
"It's amazing how generous people have been," Parker said. "Each year we get more donations from the community so we are hopping to have a really good year with the money we can generate for our programs."
To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Annalisa Parker at (858) 513-0523.
- Contact staff writer Adrienne A. Aguirre at (760) 740-3526 or aaguirre@nctimes.com.
