Tuxes, Tails and Tiaras

Devoured was the hazelnut mousse with chocolate sauce before Cupertino's teachers of the year went on stage, one by one, to receive their proclamations. They were honored Saturday at the 26th annual gala of the .

The gala, at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, had a goal to raise $125,000 for music, arts and technology programs at 25 schools in the Cupertino Union School District, according to Neil Sundstrom, president of the foundation.

Following Sundstrom's welcome remarks, two Opera San Jose resident artists took center stage. Soprano Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste and tenor Alexander Boyer performed a scene from Puccini's La Boheme while dinner was being served.

"A Night at the Opera" was the theme of this year's CEEF gala. To accentuate the theme, the centerpiece on each table consisted of white masks, red ribbons and black feathers.

In the meantime, some peacock-blue feathers were in the headpiece on Minh Ngo, executive director of CEEF. Ngo appeared as a 1920s opera-going woman dressed in a sky-blue, sleek long gown.

Although the event announcement encouraged multicultural attire, most of the guests dressed as opera-goers in the West—tuxedos or suits on men and floor-length or knee-length evening dresses on women.

Among the few ethnic dresses seen in the evening, the most eye-catching was probably a modernized floral kimono, which was light enough to allow its wearer to dance.

Also seen on the dance floor were former Cupertino Mayor Dolly Sandoval and her husband, Ed Hoffman. Sandoval is a longtime supporter and said she will always support Cupertino's education, no matter what she does.

Since completing her second term with Cupertino City Council in December 2009, Sandoval has been busy teaching at Los Gatos High School and volunteer work.

Current Cupertino Mayor Gilbert Wong attended this year's CEEF gala as well.

"I'm really excited to show my support for CEEF," said Wong. "I'm here not only as Cupertino mayor but also as a parent. One of my daughters is going to middle school in Cupertino."

He said, “Cupertino schools are doing so well, thanks to collaboration and partnership between the foundation, parents, teachers and administrators."