On Saturday afternoon, Davis students and their families were still thinking about the school week at the third annual Schoolapalooza organized by the Davis Schools Foundation (DSF).
Part of DSF’s “Dollar-A-Day” campaign, Schoolapalooza was a day the entire Davis community – teachers and commercial businesses alike – came together to raise support and funds for Davis K-12 public education.
The day included a raffle, live music and performances and plenty of good deals at downtown Davis businesses, said DSF Board Member and Schoolapalooza Event Coordinator Lesli Chuck.
“Schoolapalooza is a fun way to check out new businesses, see people you know and hear some good music,” Chuck said.
DSF expects the grand total this year to surpass the $70,000 that the event raised two years ago, Chuck said.
Davis Downtown Business Association Director Joy Cohan said this is the first year DDBA has officially partnered with the event.
“We’re thrilled to be able to be a part of [Schoolapalooza],” Cohan said. “Good schools contribute to a good economy.”
Over 50 businesses participated, including Chipotle, Jamba Juice, Café Italia and Cultivé, all contributing to the fundraiser with discounts and other incentives to bring more proceeds to DSF.
Cultivé donated 100 percent of their earnings on Saturday afternoon. David Nguyen, Cultivé operations manager, said the owner Ross Hanstad[cq] has always been a bighearted giver.
“He is a really generous guy,” Nguyen said. “He is a big supporter of schools.”
Also new this year was a fashion show with six Davis High School girls sporting local Outdoor Davis and Lily’s clothing. Outdoor Davis Retail Manager Leia Matern said the students did a great job showing off hiking, yoga and other fashionable looks.
“The Davis community has been great to us by shopping downtown and we need to show them support as well,” Matern said. “We need each other to survive in these tough times.”
More DSF fundraising events are planned, including a few that college students would enjoy, said communications chair Kathy Adams. She said to look out for an upcoming chili cook-off and a dance recital.
SASHA LEKACH can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
