What is the freezing point of water in Celsius degrees? What is the largest non-flying bird? What is the name of the scale that measures earth movement?
The Raven Performing Arts Theater is betting residents would like to see if they can answer questions like these—questions that the average fifth grader in Healdsburg schools knows the answer to. The program is based on the hit gameshow franchise, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?, which first aired in 2007 and is still running. In the show, adult contestants answer questions as if they came from a grade school quiz.
The Raven’s version is a family friendly event, with local school administrators, principals and teachers featured as participating adults. With the aid of each school’s fifth-grade students, the adults hope to answer questions correctly to win cash for their respective schools.
“This is not competition among the schools, just a wonderfully entertaining way to raise money for education and the Raven,” said Raven board member Joe Gellura, who came up with the fundraising idea. Gellura also originated Dancing with the Stars, which ran annually for eight years, and Mr. Healdsburg, which ran for 15 years—both successful fundraisers for the Raven.
“I think Are You Smarter Than a Sonoma County 5th Grader? has the potential to raise a lot of money for these schools,” Gellura said. “The kids will love it because they know most adults have forgotten much of what they learned in grade school. I imagine they will get a lot of joy from hearing adults say, ‘No, I am not smarter than a Sonoma County fifth grader.’” That’s the answer that contestants must give when they either do not know an answer—or get an answer wrong.
The Raven Performing Arts Theater fundraiser to benefit six local schools takes place on three consecutive nights, from Nov. 18-20, featuring two different schools each night. Participating schools will earn money for each correct answer, while the Raven will receive the money from the box office and concessions.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, HES Fitch Mountain Campus and The Healdsburg School will participate. On Wednesday, Nov. 19, it will be Westside School and Brooks Elementary School. Thursday, Nov. 20, Geyserville Elementary School and St. John Catholic School will take part.
‘Are You Smarter Than a Sonoma County 5th Grader?’ will take place at the Raven, 115 North St., starting at 6:30pm, Nov. 18-20. Tickets are $20 adults, $2 students. raventheater.org
