"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" is how the 1977 "Star Wars" movie opened. The entire world eventually came to know the characters and story lines from the ongoing episodes on the big and small screens, still to this day. It’s a series that has a feel-good story line with action, romance, technology never dreamed of before, and a bar scene that nobody will ever forget.

This Saturday there is an opportunity to take your "Star Wars" interest up a couple of levels while benefiting the youngsters in the Alberton area at the same time.  

"May the 4th Be with You" is the slogan to the Galactic Gala which is the annual PEAK Foundation (Promoting Excellence in Alberton-Area Kids) Annual Ball fundraiser. Stormtroopers, lightsabers and Harrison Ford (kidding!) are on tap when ticketed guests enter the White Raven at 218 Lost Lantern Trail in Alberton from 6 to 10 p.m. This is a huge endeavor to tackle and except for the pandemic years, this ball has been PEAKS’ major fundraiser since 2017.

Jaime Odell is one of the founding members of PEAK, who has held every position possible and is now happy to just be a member. She almost bubbles over when talking about what an extravaganza this will be.  

“We will have hors d’oeuvres from Rivers Edge with very fun names. Beer and table wine and mocktails. Raffles, live and silent auctions will take place and plenty of dancing,” she said.  “And I know that there is a traveling troupe who dress as authentic 'Star War' characters and two of them will be attending our ball.” 

You might want to take your camera. Tickets start at $60 for a single or $100 for the couple’s package with drink tickets. The Padawan Learner sponsor package has two-admission tickets, drink tickets and raffle tickets. Four tickets come as a Jedi Knight sponsor and very cool incentives along with the first level of advertising. Now, the Jedi Master sponsorship has six-event tickets, gobs of raffle tickets, VIP access with the tier I recognition on the banner and promotional items.  And the Sith Lord sponsor allows 10 people into the ball with major red-carpet treatment all evening long. All ticket sales are through their website thepeakfoundation.org/galactic-gala.

In 2016, PEAK asked their neighbors, students at the school, teachers and community members what they wanted to improve the Hank Roat Memorial Park and a professional skate park was the top choice, being completed in 2019. With the support of their community partners and generous donors, PEAK has raised nearly $250,000 to improve this community asset and Phase II is now underway. 

“This is a 1/3-mile walking path to, and around, the park and renovation of the existing tennis court,” Odell explained. 

At this time, the skate park is open but their parking lot is closed due to construction. When Phase III eventually fires up, parkour is going to be included with other recreational features. Odell said parkour is like an adult-size jungle gym. 

“It’s more about building upper body strength," she said. "Lots of jumping and tumbling and balancing in that regard.”

What sparked PEAK in Alberton and how did it get to where it is today? 

“Laura Acker, who is a parent, gathered several of us around and said, ‘Hey, we’re losing the after-school program and I think we should do something about it,’ so we all met and started to come up with ideas,” shared Odell. 

The foundation is a volunteer driven nonprofit organization with a mission to build and support a community of thriving children and families by providing community wide events, direct services, philanthropic support focused on academia, culture, and health. 

All funds raised go toward funding local youth programs, yet the money raised at the Galactic Gala is semi-earmarked. 

“It will help close any funding gaps we have left when the tennis court and trail are done and it will also fund our current programming,” Odell explained. “This is also the summer school funding support to the school, the music department and art departments, and the health and physical fitness department. And we also offer what we call PEAS grants which are Promoting Excellence in the Alberton Area Students. This is where they (students) submit a request to us (PEAK) explaining an endeavor that they want to go after and if we feel that it fits our mission, we give them anywhere from $500.00 and $1,000.00 to help them with their goal.” 

For the Galactic Gala, Odell said to dress how you care for a very entertaining evening. 

“You’re free to dress up as a Star Wars character. It’s not a requirement. You can come however you feel comfortable.” 

Guys, that ghillie suit in your hunting closest would make an ideal Chewbacca for the evening. Just saying…..