By Town Crier Report

The Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District will celebrate the completion of Performing Arts facilities at both high schools with a grand opening gala event at each site.

The Los Altos Eagle theater gala is May 17 and the Mountain View Spartan theater gala is May 18.

The galas will begin with catered receptions followed by student performances in the new theaters. The programs will differ in content, but each school plans to showcase choral and instrumental music groups as well as the drama and dance programs.

The galas have been organized by the Performing Arts Facilities Fund (PAFF), a community group that has been fundraising to provide theater equipment not covered by the district’s construction bond.

Equipment, such as lighting and sound systems, projector screens, acoustic shells and pianos, are not considered part of the permanent structure and therefore cannot be purchased with bond funds.

PAFF has raised more than $300,000 toward a district-determined need of $350,000. Supporters hope the grand opening galas will move the fund to within sight of the goal.

Both events with receptions at 6:30 p.m., followed by performances from 7:30-9 p.m. Seating is $50 per person per gala, by advance purchase only. There will be no ticket sales at the door.

For information or tickets, call 949-5679.