SPANISH FORT—Organizers are hopeful the Spanish Fort Educational Enrichment Foundation’s eighth annual Fiesta will continue to help offset the effects of a countywide funding crisis in local classrooms.

And with a glitzy “New York City Style” theme adopted, they’re also hopeful the “Big Apple” might encourage a few “big spenders” to support the cause.

The annual adult-oriented fundraiser, slated for Nov. 6 at Fitzpen Place, will feature food and spirits as well as a silent auction. Tickets — available through any foundation member or by contacting Executive Director Sandra Bostrom at 251-401-SFEEF — cost $50 each.

The black-and-white dress is casual.

Final tallies for the 2009 event were not immediately available, but Fiesta 2008 netted $70,000, which was returned to classrooms in the form of either direct supplies or awards of the foundation’s mini-grant program.

A more modest $50,000 goal was set for 2009 in light of the national economic recession.

“The most important thing to remember, though, is that every dollar we receive goes back to the classrooms and the teachers. Every child in Spanish Fort will benefit in some way from this fundraiser,” Fiesta chairwoman Debbie Horst said prior to the 2009 event.

Horst said $65,000 of the 2008 proceeds came from corporate sponsors with the balance raised during an on-site silent auction and raffle during the event. Ticket sales, she said, typically offset the cost of the party itself.