Jazz Festival Kicks It Into Gear with Vespa Raffle

You'd think that its national reputation and local success would make the pretty much a given on the local arts scene. But every year it's a challenge to raise enough money to support the organization's education programs, as well as its music events and annual festival.

"It's an on-going process to keep the Festival going," said Jessica Felix, artistic director. "Ticket sales alone are only about 25% of our annual budget. That means we have to apply for grants, get membership, sponsors, patrons - and be creative with fund-raisers."

So they have to turn to unusual means to get our attention. Today marks another one of those occasions, as they launch what they're calling "Jazzoom!" --  raffling off a Vespa S50 scooter, your choice of color.

The raffle was recently announced on the Festival website, and tonight is your first chance to buy a raffle ticket, at the. There will even be a Vespa at the Plaza, so you can check it out.

The Vespa is a lifestyle choice, a motor scooter that says "Italy" as straw-wrapped bottles of chianti. They have been featured in countless movies, from "Roman Holiday" when Audrey Hepburn gave Gregory Peck a ride through town, to both film versions of "Alfie," to Jason Bourne movies and more. Check out the video attached to this article.

In other words, Vespas are cool.

Not just that, though - in today's economy, they are a smart choice. TheS50 is rated between 85-90 miles per gallon, which means you could break the century mark (100 mpg) if you're a smart driver.

There will be only 600 tickets for the Vespa raffle, and they cost $20 each. That means a guaranteed amount of $12,000 will be raised in this event, as the Vespa is being donated by Revolution Moto of Santa Rosa. Roy Gattinella, who with his wife Johnna own Revolution Moto, is on the Healsburg Jazz Festival Board of Directors.

Minus expenses for the raffle initiative, that'll be about $10,000 for the Festival's annual budget.

"It all adds up!" said Felix optimistically. She'll be at Plaza tonight, selling raffle tickets while the Steve Pile Band is onstage.

Now $20 may seem like a lot - but the Vespa lists for over $3100. And even if you don't win the scooter, you're helping out the Healdsburg Jazz Festival.

How cool is that?