In celebration of 160 years of Edgewood’s service to the community, the 2011 Edgewood Fair theme is “San Francisco Days, San Francisco Nights.”

The Edgewood Garden Fair made its official debut on May 3, 1967, at the Hall of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. Then Auxiliary President Nancy Maushardt exhorted the Auxiliary to “Get out your trowels and your pruning shears” to help cultivate a garden festival that would celebrate the Edgewood community and support its programs.

This year, the event will be chaired by Meg Heinicke, who just recently gave us the behind-the-scenes scoop of what we can expect this year.

Describe your upcoming Fundraiser a few sentences… What makes the event unique?

The Fair is a two day event – a nighttime Preview Party and a daytime luncheon and shopping fair.It’s the perfect combination of fun and philanthropy. The Party is always a very festive event and the Fair itself has earned a reputation as one of the best shopping events of the year.

This year’s theme celebrates 160 years of Edgewood’s service to the Bay Area community. What is Edgewood, and how do they serve the community?

Edgewood provides vital assistance and support to children and families. They offer a broad range of services to help at home, in schools, and in the community. When abused, neglected, and troubled youth require more comprehensive care than their family or school can provide, our Intensive Services help children and teens to heal and if possible, reconnect with a safe, loving family.

This is the 45th Annual Edgewood fair. Tell us what makes the event such a success each year, and what is being added to this years to keep it fresh?

The success of the Fair really can be attributed to the members of the Auxiliary who each year devote so much of their time and energy to the event. They know that a successful party means more than just a good time – it means raising money for the children and families of Edgewood. This year we are upping the “wow” factor and including quintessential San Francisco elements. Our vendors this year are some of the best we have ever showcased.

How many participants are you expecting? Will there be any surprise guests?

We expect hundreds of people over the two day event. We have invited some Bay Area luminaries and have booked a true Bay Area icon – Armistead Maupin – as our Luncheon speaker.

Is this an open event? If so, how much are tickets, and what percentage of proceeds will go to Edgewood.

This is an open event. Tickets for the Party are $150, the Luncheon is also $150 and tickets to come and shop are just $20. All proceeds go to Edgewood.

What kind of entertainment can guests expect throughout the evening?

Guests will enjoy music, a cigar bar and more. We are still cooking up some fun elements.

What kind of vendors will be present? Food/drink?

We have food from Swan Oyster Depot, Harris’ Steaks, Miette Desserts, Yank Sing and Boudin’s Bakery, plus drinks from Tommy’s and Buena Vista Café Irish Coffees.

Who are your event sponsors, and how will they add value to the event?

Our lead sponsors are Verizon Wireless, Dodge & Cox, WDFA Marketing, British Motor Car Distributors, Inc., Idea Events and Wildcat Cove Foundation. They along with our food and beverage donors make all of this possible.

Will there be a live auction/ raffle? If so, what prizes can attendees expect?

There will be a special wine raffle as well as over 70 amazing silent auction items.

What external resources have you used in your fundraising/outreach efforts (i.e. websites, mentors, social networks etc.)?

Our Sponsorship Chair Kelly Wylie has gone above and beyond to source sponsors. She has used all methods of outreach. Our members also use social media to spread the word about the event.

What characteristics do you think make an event chair successful?

Dedication to the cause is probably number one. When you care a great deal about what you are doing all of it for, it makes the work worthwhile.

What is your fundraising motto?

Don’t be afraid to ask!

To learn more about Edgewood and how you can get involved, visit http://www.edgewood.org/getinvolved/