The South Whidbey Schools Foundation will host its annual fundraising gala next Saturday, May 16 at the Useless Bay Golf & Country Club.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Excellence!” in light of recent accolades and awards the district has received, including:

— Ninth best high school in Washington State

— One of 14 Washington school districts that placed on the Advanced Placement District Honor Role

— Top Jazz Ensemble at Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho

— Award-winning Underwater Robotics Club

— 2014 Washington Achievement Award for overall excellence/math growth

— South Whidbey High School Math Team placed first at state competition

— Ongoing success of the district’s innovative garden program

A 5 p.m. social hour will include live music by members of the South Whidbey High School Jazz Band, poolside demonstrations by the Underwater Robotics Club, a silent auction, and digital displays regarding this year’s funded grants. Dinner is prime rib, grilled salmon, or Portobello mushroom.

A live auction will follow with South Whidbey’s “Conductor of Fun” Jim Freeman serving as auctioneer. Items include an Italian dinner hosted by School Board Director Rocco Gianni, a beautiful Georgia Gerber sculpture of a “Stretching Hare,” luxury accommodation packages on and off the island plus several more items and experiential packages.

The evening will conclude with the “Medallion Game,” where a lucky participant will win half of specific proceeds raised by the sale of medallions during the event.

For a list of auction items and to purchase online tickets, visit www.SWSFoundation.org.

Last year more than $18,000 in net income was raised at the Gala, with proceeds used to fund teacher-requested educational projects. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 to local classroom projects.

The South Whidbey Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovation and excellence in the South Whidbey schools.