“Watch Us Soar” Benefits Muir Arts, Science, Tech Programs:

dinner dance and silent auction on tap “Every year schools host fundraisers, and they host community get-togethers. We want this evening to be the best of both.” So says Event Chair Meighan Maguire in describing the upcoming John Muir Dinner Dance and Silent Auction.The Third Annual “Watch Us Soar” event, to benefit technology, science and arts programming at John Muir Elementary School, will be held at the Victorian at Heritage Square on Main Street on Friday, February 24.The benefit will begin with an open wine bar from 6 to 7 p.m., and continue with a buffet dinner catered by Duck Duck Mousse, a silent auction, music and dancing, and desserts to sample. As a result of underwriting from local businesses, including Platinum Sponsors Associated Building Materials and Monte Hartman’s team at Coldwell Banker Marina Del Rey; Gold Sponsor Sea Shore Motel; Silver Sponsors GoSub60, Inc., Colin Maduzia/Peter Maurice of Caldwell Banker and Cal National Bank, and Bronze Sponsor Bob Gabriel Insurance, all of the funds raised will go directly towards providing teachers and students at John Muir with the materials, supplies and other supports they need to create and participate in projects in arts, science and technology. The “Watch Us Soar” silent auction includes over 200 items and events to bid on, and features vacation destinations; gift certificates for fine dining, spa services and a variety of classes for children and adults; tickets to sporting events and concerts, gourmet gift baskets, and other goods. With bidding starting at $10 for many items, it’s an opportunity to get some great deals – all in the lush atmosphere of Santa Monica’s historic Victorian at Heritage Square. Last year, the event raised over $20,000 for the school. Maguire calls the $25,000 goal for this year’s benefit, “very realistic, thanks to our generous underwriters and the unprecedented number of donations we’ve received for our silent auction. We’re thrilled that 100 percent of the money we raise at the event will go straight to our kids’ educations.”Organizers expect City leaders, Muir teachers and administrators, school alumni, area neighbors, and, of course, parents and families of John Muir students to attend the dinner dance. They remind ticket-holders that “Watch Us Soar” is a “grown-ups only” evening, and encourage them to, “book their sitters early.”The ticket price is $45 per person, $50 after February 17. “Watch Us Soar” sponsorships and donations of silent auction items/services will be gratefully accepted through to February 23. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Meighan Maguire at (310) 392-4663, or email meighan@beachnet.com.