POLOFEST 2026 - Mardi Gras Style

These two festive baskets come from the Sierra Unified District Office team, a hardworking group that truly wears many hats in supporting the entire district. From behind-the-scenes coordination to the countless details that keep everything moving, they help provide the steady foundation our schools rely on every day. We’re grateful for their generosity, their sense of fun, and the many ways they support everyone throughout our great district.

This festive basket comes from Sierra Unified’s Facilities & Transportation team, the hardworking group that keeps our schools moving, our campuses operating, and important Measure U projects humming along. Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but their impact is felt throughout the district every day. We’re especially grateful for the many ways they continue to support the Sierra Foundation and the students we serve. 

This cheerful basket comes from Foothill Elementary’s Kindergarten and First Grade teams, where some of Sierra Unified’s youngest learners are beginning to make sense of the world around them. In kindergarten, California science standards have students exploring what plants and animals need to survive, how living things affect their environment, and patterns in weather; by first grade, students are also learning about maps, communities, citizenship, and how where we live shapes everyday life. Ca

This thoughtful donation comes from Foothill Elementary’s second-grade team and features a professional photo session from Linda Maier Photography, along with a charming hanging frame set and Target gift card. Second graders spend time learning about families, communities, and the people and places that make their world meaningful, which makes a gift built around capturing memories especially fitting. We’re grateful to the second-grade team for combining something personal, practical, and lastin

These three thoughtful baskets come from Foothill Elementary’s third-grade team, and it feels only fitting that third grade would contribute three wonderful donations. In third grade, students begin building confidence with multiplication, division, patterns, and problem solving — so perhaps this is the perfect example of what happens when you multiply generosity by creativity. Each basket has its own personality, but together they add up to a meaningful show of support for the Sierra Foundation

This distinctive donation comes from Foothill Elementary’s fourth-grade team, where students explore California’s history, geography, and natural resources. The handcrafted driftwood candleholder is especially fitting — a one-of-a-kind piece shaped by nature, much like the landscapes fourth graders study. This donation shows plenty of creativity and generosity. 

This fun-filled basket comes from Foothill Elementary’s fifth-grade team, where students spend the year exploring the people, events, and big ideas that helped shape a new nation. From explorers, colonial life, the American Revolution and westward expansion, fifth-grade history is full of strategy, challenge, and discovery making a basket packed with games and snacks feel right at home. We’re grateful to the fifth-grade team for supporting the Sierra Foundation and adding a  little extra fun!

This colorful donation comes from Foothill Elementary’s sixth-grade team, where students are tackling bigger ideas in science, history, and problem solving as they prepare for the transition to junior high. Sixth-grade science asks students to think about systems, patterns, energy, and how different parts work together — which seems fitting for a basket full of unexpected combinations and treats. We’re grateful to the sixth-grade team for supporting the Sierra Foundation.

This wonderfully eclectic basket comes from the Foothill Elementary Office, where no two days are ever quite the same. With a little science fiction, a little adventure, and even some “gold” tucked inside, it feels like a fitting collection from the team that helps keep the entire school organized, supported, and moving forward. We’re grateful to the Foothill office staff for all the ways they care for students, families, and staff — and for bringing a little imagination to PoloFest.

This distinctive basket comes from Sierra High School FFA, where agriculture, leadership, and hands-on learning are part of everyday life. Filled with FFA gear and plenty of rural personality, it reflects a program that helps students build skills, confidence, and responsibility. We’re grateful for FFA’s continued support of the Sierra Foundation and the strong tradition they represent at Sierra High. 

This creative bundle comes from Sierra High School’s Performance and Language Arts team, where students learn to express ideas through music, theatre, art, language, and communication. These programs give students opportunities to build confidence, creativity, and a stronger understanding of the world around them. We’re grateful for their support of the Sierra Foundation and for the many ways they help student voices be heard. 

This game-day basket comes from the Sierra Junior & Senior High Schools’ Athletic Department, where Warriors and Chieftains compete with pride across the field, court, and pool. Athletics at Sierra are about more than the scoreboard — they teach teamwork, communication, discipline, and what it means to work toward a common goal. We’re grateful to the Athletic Department for supporting the Sierra Foundation and for helping students grow through competition, commitment, and school spirit. 

This coffee-themed basket comes from the Sierra Junior and Senior High Schools' Science Department, where careful measurements, curiosity, and experimentation are all part of the process. Brewing the perfect cup of coffee may not require a lab coat, but it does involve temperature, ratios, extraction, and a little chemistry along the way. We’re grateful to our science teachers for supporting the Sierra Foundation and for helping students discover how much science is hiding in everyday life. 

This creative donation comes from Sierra Junior & Senior High Schools’ VPAFLA — our homegrown shorthand for the Visual & Performing Arts and Foreign & Language Arts Departments. Around here, that means music, art, performance, language, literature, and probably at least a few acronyms along the way. We’re grateful to these educators for helping students find their voice, broaden their world, and bring plenty of creativity to Sierra’s campuses. 

Auberry Feed is a trusted local resource for livestock, pet, and ranching needs, serving the foothill community with the kind of practical support rural families depend on. We’re especially grateful for their support because it comes from a business that understands our way of life and is part of the same mountain community our schools serve. Add a description about this item

Treat your favorite pup to a tail-wagging surprise from BarkBox, packed with imaginative toys, tasty treats, and plenty of canine-approved fun. It’s a monthly celebration delivered right to your door—because every good krewe deserves a four-legged member! 

Beat The Bomb offers high-energy virtual team-building experiences filled with puzzles, challenges, and plenty of friendly competition. We appreciate their generous support of the Sierra Foundation and the students and programs of Sierra Unified School District. 

Benihana has been turning dinner into an experience for generations, combining Japanese-inspired cuisine with the excitement and showmanship of teppanyaki cooking right at the table. Their distinctive blend of great food and entertainment makes a Benihana experience a fun addition to any getaway. We’re excited to feature their support in our silent auction and grateful for their generosity to Sierra Unified students. 

Bogle Family Vineyards brings generations of California winemaking tradition to every bottle, with a strong connection to the land and the communities it serves. Their donation adds a wonderful Northern California touch to our auction and gives guests a chance to enjoy a true family-grown California favorite.

Chick-fil-A is known for its welcoming service, popular chicken favorites, and commitment to supporting the communities it serves. 

Community West Bank is a California community bank focused on building strong relationships with the businesses, families, and communities it serves. Their local approach to banking reflects the same kind of neighbor-to-neighbor support that helps rural communities like ours thrive. We’re grateful for their support of PoloFest and for investing in opportunities for Sierra Unified students. 

 Dave’s Auto is a hometown Auberry business helping keep our mountain community on the road with dependable automotive service and local know-how. We’re thankful for their support of PoloFest 2026, continued support of the Sierra Foundation, and for the everyday role they play in serving the families and businesses of our foothill community. 

 Delicato Wine Shop showcases wines from a family-owned California winemaking tradition with deep roots in the Central Valley. Their donation brings a refined local touch to our silent auction and offers guests a chance to enjoy some of the region’s distinctive wines. 

 Dolphin Inn offers a relaxing Pismo Beach getaway just steps from one of the Central Coast’s most popular destinations for San Joaquin Valley families. Their generous support gives our auction guests the chance to trade the valley heat for ocean air while helping create new opportunities for Sierra Unified students. 

 Don Fowler Construction is a longtime local contractor serving the foothill and Central Valley communities with experience in residential, commercial, and public construction projects. Their generous support of PoloFest is especially meaningful because it comes from a business rooted right here in the mountain community we serve. 

Foothill Physical Therapy is a local Auberry outpatient physical therapy practice serving the foothill community, with care that includes sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, work injuries, and common joint pain. Their presence right here in the mountains makes quality rehabilitation more accessible without always having to travel into the Valley. We’re grateful for their support of PoloFest and for another hometown business investing in Sierra Unified students. 

 Earth Arts Studio in Fresno is closely associated with the beloved work of Margaret Hudson, whose distinctive creations have become familiar throughout the Central Valley. We’re delighted to feature their support in our silent auction and to celebrate a studio with such a strong artistic legacy in our region. 

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is one of the Central Valley’s best-known family destinations, offering memorable encounters with animals from around the world while supporting conservation and education. A visit combines discovery, learning, and plenty of fun for guests of all ages. We’re grateful for their support of PoloFest and excited to feature a donation from such a beloved local institution. 

 The Fresno Grizzlies bring professional baseball, family entertainment, and plenty of Central Valley pride to Chukchansi Park in downtown Fresno. Their generous support gives our auction guests a chance to enjoy a great day at the ballpark while helping create new opportunities for Sierra Unified students. 

Fresno State Women’s Basketball brings fast-paced collegiate competition, Bulldog pride, and an exciting game-day experience to the Central Valley. Their donation offers local fans a wonderful opportunity to cheer on the Bulldogs while supporting Sierra Unified students. 

Let the good times grow with a family adventure to Gilroy Gardens, where whimsical rides, magnificent gardens, and playful attractions create fun for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity to trade the ordinary for a day filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable family memories. 

Jewelry You'll Love. Effortless and elevated, gorjana offers jewelry ranging from dainty solid gold essentials to fun, seasonal fashion pieces. Visit any gorjana store and let their talented team of stylists guide you through a personalized experience to create your own look and thank them for supporting our students!

Honig Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned Napa Valley winery known for thoughtfully crafted wines, sustainable farming practices, and a strong connection to the land. We’re excited to feature their support in our silent auction and to offer guests a taste of Napa Valley while helping create new opportunities for Sierra Unified students. 

 Known for its fresh, made-to-order favorites and strong California roots, In-N-Out Burger has become a beloved tradition for generations of families. Their donation adds a familiar and always-popular treat to our silent auction. 

John’s Incredible Pizza Company combines an all-you-can-eat buffet with arcade games, rides, and attractions for a lively family entertainment experience. 

K.O. Pilates brings strength, balance, and wellness close to home with personalized Pilates instruction right here in Prather. We’re especially grateful for the support of a local business that helps keep our mountain community healthy, active, and connected. Add a description about this item

Lengua Rica has helped learners build confidence in Spanish since 1997 through engaging, small-group classes that combine real-world language, music, conversation, reading, and creative activities. We’re excited to feature their support and to highlight a donor that makes language learning accessible, personal, and genuinely enjoyable for students near and far. 

Turn any outing into an adventure with Let's Roam (https://www.letsroam.com/) featuring interactive scavenger hunts, city explorations, ghost tours, art walks, and more. Gather your favorite krewe and get ready to uncover hidden gems, solve clever challenges, and create plenty of unforgettable memories along the way! 

Olio e Limone Ristorante brings the flavors and hospitality of Sicily to Santa Barbara through thoughtfully prepared Italian cuisine in an inviting setting. Their donation adds a special Central Coast dining experience to our auction and gives guests another wonderful reason to plan a Santa Barbara getaway. 

Oriental Trading Company is a longtime favorite for party supplies, crafts, toys, and festive decorations for every occasion. Their donation will add a little extra fun and creativity to this year’s silent auction. 

 Pickled Pig Creations is the work of foothill-raised maker Sam Turner along with her daughter, Emma, whose one-of-a-kind creations span wood, metal, vinyl, cement, paint, and plenty of imagination. This creative mother/daughter team's products carry a distinctly local personality, shaped by deep community roots and a lifelong love of making things by hand. We’re delighted to feature a donor whose creativity is matched by the care and craftsmanship behind every piece. 

Prather Perk is a local favorite for wonderful coffee, sweet treats, and a welcoming place to stop and stay awhile. Their shop also features an array of unique gifts and finds you won’t see everywhere, making it a fun destination in its own right. We’re grateful for their support of PoloFest and for the distinctive local flavor they bring to our mountain community. 

 Pine Ridge Pool Care provides dependable pool maintenance and service with the kind of personal attention that local customers appreciate. We’re grateful for their support of PoloFest, the Sierra Foundation and for another hometown business stepping up to help create opportunities for Sierra Unified students. 

The Sierra Foundation is grateful to Raceway Car Wash for supporting Polofest 2026. With locations in Fresno, Sanger, and a Clovis location on Villa Avenue, Raceway offers convenient car wash packages, complimentary high-power vacuums, microfiber towel service, and membership options for keeping vehicles clean year-round.

Let the good times roll with a visit to Raising Cane’s, home of craveable chicken fingers, crispy fries, buttery Texas toast, and their famous Cane’s Sauce. It’s a simple recipe for a delicious meal—and a prize the whole family will be happy to sink their teeth into! 

Rich Vandenack, Sierra High School’s lead agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor, has been a steadfast supporter of the Sierra Foundation, generously donating handcrafted welding projects including fire pits and BBQs year after year. His dedication to agricultural education and student leadership has now been recognized nationally with the Honorary American FFA Degree, the highest honor bestowed by the National FFA Organization. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary service to students.

The San Francisco Giants are one of baseball’s most iconic franchises, with a long tradition of memorable moments, loyal fans, and community involvement throughout Northern California. We’re excited to feature their support in our silent auction and give guests a chance to enjoy a little Giants baseball while supporting Sierra Unified students. Add a description about this item

The Santa Barbara Zoo offers an unforgettable opportunity to connect with wildlife in a beautiful coastal setting. Their donation gives one lucky bidder the chance to enjoy a memorable day of discovery, learning, and family fun. 

Shaver Lake Marina is where mountain days turn into lake adventures, with pontoon boats, fishing boats, WaveRunners, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and more available from its full-service location inside Camp Edison. It’s a longtime favorite for families and visitors looking to fish, swim, explore, or simply enjoy a day on beautiful Shaver Lake. We’re excited to feature their support in our silent auction and grateful to have another local mountain business helping Sierra Unified students. 

Sierra Unified Athletics is built on a tradition of dedication, sportsmanship, teamwork, and hard work that extends far beyond the field or court. The program helps student-athletes develop discipline, responsibility, perseverance, and goal-setting skills that prepare them to contribute to their schools, community, and future. We are proud to support an athletic program that values both achievement and the character built along the way. Add a description about this item

Smart & Final has long served California communities with groceries, fresh foods, and everyday essentials for families, businesses, and organizations alike. Their support of PoloFest helps turn something practical and familiar into meaningful opportunities for students throughout our mountain community. 

Bring everyone to the table with Stonemaier Games, creators of beautifully designed strategy games that inspire friendly competition, clever choices, and hours of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or discovering a new favorite, this prize promises a game night worthy of your favorite krewe! 

Tollhouse Market & Grill is a true mountain-community gathering place, serving everything from country breakfasts and burgers to wood-fired pizza and Italian dinners in the heart of Tollhouse. Their focus on good food, welcoming hospitality, and bringing people together makes them a natural fit for our PoloFest silent auction. We’re grateful for their support and for another hometown business helping create opportunities for Sierra Unified students.  

 The Sierra Foundation is grateful to ULTA BEAUTY for supporting Polofest 2026 as a silent auction donor. Known for bringing together cosmetics, skincare, haircare, fragrance, and beauty services in one place, Ulta Beauty offers something for just about every style and preference. Their generous contribution adds a fun and popular item to our auction while helping support students throughout Sierra Unified. We appreciate Ulta Beauty for helping make Polofest 2026 a more beautiful event.

Step aboard the legendary USS Midway Museum and explore nearly five decades of naval aviation history through restored aircraft, interactive exhibits, and the stories of those who served at sea. From the flight deck to the crew’s quarters, this unforgettable San Diego experience offers adventure, discovery, and family fun from bow to stern! 

Velasco’s Mexican Restaurant is a true hometown favorite, serving the Prather community from the heart of the Sierra foothills while generously supporting schools throughout the district. Their continued commitment to local students and families makes their support of PoloFest especially meaningful to the Sierra Foundation. 

Verve Coffee Roasters is known for thoughtfully sourced, freshly roasted coffees that bring café-quality flavor to everyday routines. We’re grateful for their continued support and excited to feature a donor whose coffee has already been a favorite with our guests. 

Yip Fitness offers live Zoom fitness classes designed primarily for older women, with participants able to join from anywhere in the United States or Canada. Through her goal of helping schools and nonprofit organizations raise $1 million, owner Yip has generously donated one month of unlimited classes to support our silent auction. 

Redwood Swings & Things is a family-owned Auberry business that has been crafting redwood patio furniture since 1997. Founded from Chris Elliott’s background in carpentry and built around the Elliott family’s desire to work close to home and be present for their children, the business has deep roots in our mountain community. Today, Chris remains “behind the tools,” Vikki handles the business side, and their family continues to be part of the operation — a true local family enterprise.

Their handcrafted redwood furniture is made for relaxing, gathering, and enjoying the outdoors — something that feels especially at home in the Sierra foothills. We are delighted to feature their generous contribution as a PoloFest Live Auction item and deeply appreciate a hometown business investing back into the students and families of the same community they call home.  

Bradford Portraits is an internationally recognized portrait studio known for dramatic, classical family portraiture designed to become lasting works of art. With studios including Newport Beach, their work blends photography with fine-art finishing to create portraits meant to be treasured for generations. We’re delighted to feature their support in our silent auction and grateful for the opportunity they’re providing to a Sierra Foundation guest.