Hoping to break last year’s $185,000 fundraising record, St. Mark’s in-the-Valley will host its Spring Classic benefit, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10 at the church, 2901 Nojoqui Ave., Los Olivos.
The Spring Classic will feature dinner provided by local catering group Jake Francis and Valley Piggery, and a live auction conducted by parishioner and popular local auctioneer Andrew Firestone.
Guests can bid on an array of items and experiences, all while contributing to a St. Mark’s.
“This event makes it possible for St. Mark’s to keep its doors open to the community, offering a space for creativity, connection and service,” said Rev. Scott Claassen, interim rector at St. Mark’s.
The event supports the Episcopal church’s mission to serve as an open community center and arts venue, providing no-fee access to more than 85 community groups and organizations.
“For many years, the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community has held a number of events, services and programs at St. Mark’s,” said Shoshanah Schwartz, vice president/programs for the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community.
“As a small congregation without a building of our own, we are incredibly grateful to have access to the beautiful facilities and welcoming environment at St. Mark’s. We feel as if this is our place, too,” Schwartz said.
“Our sense of belonging here is a wonderful feeling. As noted in the 1939 movie ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ‘there’s no place like home.’ We have found a home here at St. Mark’s,” she said.
“The Spring Classic sells out every year, so we encourage guests to secure their tickets now and join us for a spectacular spring evening, benefiting this beloved church and its community,” Rev. Claassen said.
Following are tickets and sponsorship opportunities:
• Platinum sponsorship: $5,000 (includes reserved table for 10 guests)
• Individual tickets: $200 per person
Tickets and additional event details available at www.smitv.org.
Auction items include:
• Cocktails on the Sea – Take in sunset views of Santa Barbara on an sea excursion for 20 aboard the Rusack Family’s Torqua, an 86-foot Ocean Alexander motor yacht.
• Welsh Wanderlust – Adventure to the northwest coast of Wales with a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom cottage on the Llyn Peninsula.
• Carmina Children’s Party – Celebrate your young one(s) at Rancho Carmina with a ranch party for 40; cake by Solvang Bakery; bounce house; and catering, donated by Hayley Firestone and family.
• “Study for an Archway” – A unique sculpture by local artist Joe Castle.
Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark’s practices a spacious Christianity and welcomes people of all faiths or none.