Staff Report

Student gardeners and their parents at Oak Valley Elementary School raised more than $2,000 at their sold-out “Pasta with a Purpose” fundraiser on Nov. 4.

“Everyone left with smiles and full bellies, so I’d say it was a huge success,” said one of the event organizers, Danielle Ripley.

Fiona Uhler holds Maddie Nichols while she enjoys her spaghetti. Photo by Victoria Martinez

In the multipurpose room at the school, more than 225 people were served a spaghetti meal that included marinara sauce made from student-grown tomatoes and were invited to enjoy Italian sodas, a photo booth, a raffle and a tour of the garden. 

The Oak Valley School Garden relies on grants and fundraising to provide education in the garden. The program has teamed up with Explore Ecology of Santa Barbara to provide instruction three times a week throughout the school year. 

For more information, email ovgarden595@gmail.com.