The LPEF will host its "One Enchanted Evening" gala on Oct. 2 to benefit the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District. As in previous years, local residents Patti and Bill Hughes have donated their Summit-area estate, Maison du Lac, for this event, which will begin at 4 p.m. And it's no marketing ploy—many call the mountainous Loma Prieta area a sight to remember.

"The spectacular setting takes first-time visitors' breath away," says LPEF co-chairwoman Lydia Dobyns.

"It's spectacular up here. It's an amazing place for kids and for the community. They're definitely at one with nature up here," says Henry Castaniada, superintendent of the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District.

The mission of the nonprofit LPEF is to enhance the educational experience of all students in the Loma Prieta School District, says Dobyns. Founded four years ago, the 14-person governing board consists of parents, teachers and members of the community.

This year, Dobyns says LPEF's goal is to raise $120,000 from its annual pledge drive and the "An Enchanted Evening" gala. She says that Principal Diana Hallock, district Superintendent Henry Castaniada and teachers have asked LPEF to fund the development of a technology curriculum for students and teaching staff. They would also like LPEF to provide funding for after-school enrichment at C.T. English Middle School and Loma Prieta Elementary, such as their current math club.

"They've gone out of their way to give the support we need to run after-school enrichment activities," says Castaniada. "The gala is a major event where the community comes forward and supports the educational programs in the Loma Prieta School District.

"We couldn't function without the help of the education fund. We have the electoral program, giving us electives such as Spanish because of their support, we have small class sizes because of their support, and the intervention program, which gives us reading specialists."

The gala has sold out in each of its three previous years. This year, it will feature live music, a buffet dinner, live and silent auctions, and wine and beer from Silver Mountain Winery, Burrell School Winery and Seabright Brewery. Dobyns says that more than 300 items will be included in the auctions, including many unique class projects.

"Once again, donations from local artists, vintners, parents and Los Gatos merchants have been generous," she says. "This is truly a community effort."

"It's an evening of festivity, and an evening of support for our school district," says Castaniada. "Frankly, it's an exciting event."

Tickets for the "One Enchanted Evening" gala are $75 each, and $50 can be considered a charitable donation. For more information or to purchase, call Julie at 408.353.8223 or print out an order form to mail in at www.lpef.org.