Fundraiser in Uptown supporting Tech, 3 other OUSD schools

Luka’s, Picán, Ozumo and Era are throwing an Uptown Block Party & Back to School Fundraiser for Oakland public schools . A $20 donation to our schools gets partygoers a complimentary cocktail at each venue and access to all the other specials on offer that night, including Southern barbecue at Picán, dollar oysters at Luka’s and special guest DJ’s and dancing on every corner. All proceeds from ticket sales go to benefit Oakland public schools. Statewide cuts to education have made it difficult for many schools to maintain programs that have typically allowed students to have experiences that would allow them to flourish. Combined with Oakland’s $40 million budget deficit, our schools and children are being negatively affected. It’s time for the Oakland community to step up and seek new and alternative ways to support our children.

This Uptown Block Party & Back to School Fundraiser is an easy and fun way to help out. Luka’s, Picán, Ozumo and Era dot the four corners of Grand and Broadway and are within easy walking distance of 19th St. BART. If you haven’t been to visit us before, this is a great and inexpensive way to sample all the new dining and drinking venues in the neighborhood. Plus it’s for a good cause! A neighborhood event is a great way to meet your community, have fun and raise money for our public schools. Your support equals student success.

Four schools have been selected to receive the donation proceeds: Crocker Highlands Elementary, Westlake Middle School, Oakland Tech High School and Laney Community College. Proceeds will help support visual art programs, extended day programs, as well as purchase supplies and materials for teachers and students. Our goal is to raise $10,000, so spread the word and bring your friends!

About Participating Venues -

Era Art Bar and Lounge
19 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94612
510-832-4400 www.oaklandera.com
Era combines diverse music and curated collections of contemporary art with boutique cocktails in an elegant environment – bringing the Bay Area an impressive new haven for fine arts and culture. The 5,000 square-foot space offers two comfortable lounges, each offering aesthetics of a different age. Downstairs, patrons are treated to vaulted, hand- plastered ceilings, two offset seating areas, and a thirty-five foot steel and concrete bar; the upstairs features vintage leather seating, antique and modern furniture, reclaimed 1920′s hardwood flooring, a hand-blown glass chandelier and a private, more intimate bar.

Luka’s Taproom & Lounge
2221 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
510-451-4677 www.lukasoakland.com
Luka’s Taproom & Lounge is a restaurant & nightclub at the corner of West Grand & Broadway. Luka’s is a lively spot with a great vibe. Our brasserie style menu borrows from traditional French and Belgian cuisine and blends them with the culinary sensibilities of the Bay Area. We are proud to serve the best free-range meats, local seafood and organic produce. Additionally, Luka’s hosts world class DJs 7 nights a week. So, come for dinner and stay for the dancing.

Ozumo
2251 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
510-286-9866 www.ozumo.com
Ozumo Oakland brings contemporary Japanese cuisine to the East Bay with style and entertainment. We offer several types of dining options from sushi bar, robata experience, dining room seating, bar & lounge, to private events. Ozumo has the largest sake list in the bay area, perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. To compliment the dining experience, a live dj is featured in the lounge four nights a week. Ozumo provides the right option for any occasion.

Date: Saturday, August 28, 2010
Time: 5-8pm
Cost: $20 per person, must be over 21 to participate
How: Tickets for the event will be available the day of the event at any of the four participating venues. To avoid lines during the event, come to Luka’s between 3 & 5pm to purchase tickets in advance of the crowds.