Music and Merlot – a fundraiser to benefit Evergreen Union School District’s music program, will be held at 5 p.m. on Sat. Oct. 13, at the JBL Ranch in Cottonwood.
Here’s why:
During California’s fiscal crisis, the brunt of the cuts have been to education. California is now ranked 43rd in the nation in per pupil spending. Due to these cuts and on-going revenue deferrals, school districts have been forced to make cuts to staff which increases class size, and eliminate programs such as music, art, and physical education to remain solvent.
Evergreen Union School District has a strong commitment to music education and providing a quality education for students that includes music, art, and physical education.
Research has proven the powerful benefits of music on student academic success, self-esteem, and motivation in school.
Evergreen employs one music teacher for the entire district, Abbie Ehorn. She serves over 1,000 students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade. Evergreen offers general music and recorder to the elementary campus, and world music drumming, dance, musical theater and guitar at the middle school campus.
Thanks to various grants over the years, Mrs. Ehorn has been able to purchase instruments such as xylophones, rhythm instruments, 25 Baby Taylor guitars, and enough world music drums for each child.
Evergreen’s music program was nearly eliminated three years ago. However, because of the overwhelming support by the community, parents, staff and school administration, the program was spared by grass-roots fundraising. Starting in 2010, the community held the first annual “Music and Merlot” fundraising event, that raised just over $20,000, and $21,000 the following year. All the proceeds of the event helped sustain Evergreen’s music program.
This year’s Music and Merlot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the JBL Ranch in Cottonwood. This ticketed event features dinner, wine by Burnsini Vineyards, musical entertainment, live and silent auctions, and door prizes. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the Elegant Bean in Cottonwood, or both school campuses.
For more information, or to donate to the event, please call Vicky Woolley at 347-3411 ext 7505.
-from press release
