Sonoma dance school raises nearly $50,000 in fundraiser

For the first time in its 54 years, the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance held a Masquerade Ball Gala on November 14 to benefit the scholarship fund and program of classes and public performances.

The event at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards drew approximately 160 guests for dinner, dancing, performances and a silent auction. The evening raised almost $50,000 for the dance school.

The gala also honored community members who have made significant contributions to the arts: Andrea Valo-Espina, Celebrating Dance; Diana and Roger Rhoten, Applauding Theater in Sonoma; and SCD Alumna Viridiana “Viri” Martinez, translator/liaison for Spanish-speaking students and their families.

“What a fantastic evening celebrating the Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, which I previously knew nothing about,” said Marchelle Adams Carleton, chair of the board of directors for Pets Lifeline, in a press release. “This great organization has been around for 50 years. Great job and congratulations to the team who put it all together… the dancers were breathtaking.”

A combination of raffle items, silent auction and live auction packages, as well as donations from supporters, raised nearly $50,000 for the SCD to fund a variety of programs, from tuition assistance to additional teachers, studio improvements, costumes and props.

The donation page for the dance school is still open and accepting donations at givebutter.com/sonomaconservatoryofdance.

The Sonoma Conservatory of Dance was founded in 1970 by Beth-Marie Deenihan and continues to provide professional dance education to the youth of the Sonoma Valley and beyond. Since becoming a nonprofit in 2017, the school has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to eligible students.

For more information, visit sonomaconservatoryofdance.org