The Claremont Educational Foundation (CEF) will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Wednesday, April 20 at the Padua Hills Theater with a gala honoring the principals of the Claremont Unified School District beginning at 6 p.m.

The event will feature food, drinks, live music, a silent auction and a raffle drawing for a one-carat pair of diamond earrings donated by The Diamond Center and Hearts on Fire, a news release read. Special guest speakers will also make their way to Padua Hills for the event

All are invited to attend the anniversary gala. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.SupportCEF.com/gala. A single ticket is $100, or $175 for a pair. Sponsorship and digital tribute journal opportunities are also available.

Thirty years ago, CEF was founded to “save our schools” during a fiscal crisis caused by state budget cuts. Since those early days, the organization has evolved beyond saving educators’ jobs to becoming CUSD’s primary fundraising partner, a news release said.

CEF funding supports CUSD through grants for art and music programs at the district’s seven elementary schools, technology at its three secondary schools, and innovative teacher-led projects.

“For 30 years, CEF has worked to raise funds for Claremont Unified School District and during that time has been able to provide more than $3.7 million in support,” CEF President John Heitkemper said. “We can think of no greater way to celebrate this relationship than by honoring the principals who work so hard to ensure that every student at every school receives an impactful and achievement-filled educational experience in CUSD.”

Educational foundations have become an important resource for many school districts, increasingly helping to fill gaps in funding from state and federal sources.

For more information, visit supportcef.com/gala.