Parents, faculty and staff of The Overlake School in Redmond, along with many local businesses and families, are gearing up for the school’s annual benefit dinner auction, set for 4 p.m., Nov. 16, at the Hyatt Regency in Bellevue.

Eastside businesses and families are donating a variety of high-value items, experiences and services to the auction, which benefits the school’s enrichment programs, including an ambitious financial aid program which provides scholarships for 15 percent of Overlake students.

“We are proud to have such great support for this dinner auction from our families, alumni, local businesses and the community,” said Overlake Head of School Francisco Grijalva. “Whether it’s a service or a product, these donations help us raise the money to provide almost $1 million dollars in financial aid, allowing the brightest of students, regardless of their family’s financial ability, to attend Overlake.”

The auction also aids general operating expenses, and this year will also fund enhancements for outdoor learning on the 75-acre Overlake campus, which includes natural woods, wetlands and streams.

John Curley will again serve as auctioneer. This year’s auction theme is “Celebrating Our World.” The theme reflects the school’s emphasis on service and awareness throughout the world — from the campus and local community worlds to the international community.

The school offers a number of ways for students to broaden their perspectives on the world. The Overlake community raised funds in 2003 to build a school in Cambodia, and continues to provide some support, and regular visits to teach in the classroom and to experience Cambodian culture.

Students also traveled to Ghana last year on a service project, with a trip to Uruguay planned this year.

Students learn through exchanges with Overlake partner schools in Spain, France, Italy and Japan, and by hosting an exchange student each year (this year’s exchange student is from Moldova, in eastern Europe).

Students may choose to learn Spanish, Japanese, French, Latin and, beginning this year, Mandarin Chinese.

Overlake will also debut a world dance event in January to showcase the varied backgrounds of its students.

For donation information, please contact Ellen Allen at (206) 390-3255 or Doug Allen at (425) 829-0630.

The Overlake School in Redmond is an independent, nonsectarian, college preparatory school serving 500 boys and girls in grades five through 12, offering outstanding academics, arts, athletics, outdoor education, global service and leadership opportunities.

One hundred percent of graduates go on to college.

For more information, contact Director of Development and Community Relations Carol O’Donnell at (425) 868-1000 ext. 618., or visit www.overlake.org.