by
Joshua D. Scroggin
When our schools face budgetary challenges, sadly, some of the first things to go are enrichment programs. Things like libraries, reading, art, music, athletics, drama and GATE have become endangered or outright eliminated.
CoastHills has sponsored organizations like PRYAF and OCAF, which work hard to preserve the arts in our local grade schools. And we also felt the urge to do more.
Realizing the success of our annual wine fundraiser, Rancho Vino — which has raised $120,000 combined in the past two years for agriculture education at Allan Hancock College — we figured we could make a bigger difference.
So, Share Drafts was born.
Kind of like Rancho Vino, where the Credit Union has partnered with Presqu’ile Winery in Santa Maria, Share Drafts is a fundraising event in cooperation with BarrelHouse Brewing Co. in Paso Robles.
BarrelHouse opened its doors and provided the suds, and we brought in food, live music and staff to host an afternoon where the beer, tacos and rock and roll flowed like wine.
And it was all in support of Paso Robles Education Alliance. PREA is one of those local organizations looking to preserve enrichment education through assistance programs, scholarships and teacher grants in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District.
It’s community-based and depends on donations from local businesses and work from parents and educators to add resources to the school system.
Teachers can apply for up to $500 in grants per year. The organization has awarded between three and six college scholarships every year since 2011. Prea also facilitates a “Classroom of Tomorrow” grant project, which brings new technology and multimedia to local schools.
As our attendees enjoyed a selection of Barrelhouse’s craft brews, southwestern fare by Heirloom Catering and a selection of rockin’ tunes by The Counterfeit Kings, ticket and raffle sales of Share Drafts raised $12,500.
And together with matching funds from a private donor, PREA walked away from our event with $25,000.
Even if you missed this year’s Share Drafts event, it’s not too late to get involved. PREA accepts donations at its website and sponsorships are available throughout the year. Visit goprea.org or call 1-866-620-0584 to learn more.