Crab season is alive and well and Oakdale Junior High School’s Parent Teacher Club is ready to get cracking.
The 17th Annual Jeans and Jerseys Crab Feed has been scheduled and is set for Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Oakdale FES Hall. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
First year Event Chair Kelley Blanc is both enthusiastic and excited to open the doors and serve the community at this year’s event, acknowledging the event has both a history as well as a reputation as a memory making night for those in attendance.
“We hope to have 300 to 350 tickets sold,” she said of the once sold out event. “Proceeds from this event go completely to the school.
“I’d like to raise $20,000 to $25,000,” she added. “That would be significantly up from last year.”
Recognizing that the price of crab is up, as well as expenses, Blanc and her committee have worked diligently at pricing things out to get the best possible deal, yet still provide attendees with a nice evening out.
“I don’t know how we did this before text messaging,” Blanc said of taking on what basically has turned into a full-time job planning for the event. “Everyone I have asked or approached has been so helpful. Whether it’s for help that day or getting auction baskets put together, this community is so giving.”
The dinner will include crab, chicken and pasta. There will also be a no host bar, live music, dancing, live and silent auction items, as well as raffle prizes.
“Every homeroom class was given a theme,” she said of the raffle baskets. “Students donate items based on the theme and then we will raffle those items off.”
Currently the group has acquired a dozen Live Auction items and close to the same for the Silent Auction tables.
“The live auction is where we really make our money,” Blanc said of the community’s generosity. “We’re still really looking for that ‘WOW’ auction item. That cabin in Tahoe or house at the beach.”
Along with parents, Blanc said there has been assistance from school personnel as well.
“We have lots of teachers helping too,” she added. “I honestly did not expect so many to volunteer.”
The teachers, however, understand the importance of a successful event, as they each benefit in some small or large way from the ultimate outcome.
“The amount raised impacts the amount of technology we are able to offer the students,” OJHS Principal John Simons stated. “The money also helps teachers with general supplies and materials.
“I enjoy the fact that people come to our crab feed, because it’s a fun event,” he continued. “Every year is a little different because there is always a new group of parents running the show. So it just keeps getting better and better.”
Simons also noted the entertainment and how the crowd looks forward to seeing young as well as seasoned talent perform as they enjoy their evening.
This year’s live entertainment will be provided by Arron Avilla and Second Wind, a group Blanc noted has a healthy following.
“I even had people tell me they wouldn’t buy a ticket unless that band played,” she said.
As ticket sales motivate Blanc, she aims to please.
“I’m doing some things that haven’t been done before,” she admitted. “I’m excited to see how it all comes together.”
Tickets for the 17th Annual Jeans and Jerseys Crab Feed are $50 per person. They may be purchased at the OJHS Front Office, at Oak Valley Jewelers (through Jan. 17) or by calling Blanc at 996-5722. Community member interested in making live or silent auction donations may also do so by calling Blanc at the same number.
