The Southern Environmental Center (SEC) will host the Ecofest Market & Auction to benefit the Magic City School Bus Project from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Theodore in Lakeview’s Historic Industrial District.

The SEC is the largest educational facility of its kind and is dedicated to providing field trips to underserved schools in the community. The Magic City School Bus Project is an interactive way for donors to get involved with funding for these schools.

By sponsoring a “Magic School Bus” at the event, you will provide an entire school field trip – where students will be able to tour an award-winning interactive museum, the Hugh Kaul EcoScape garden, and the Alabama GeoDome, a 46-seat interactive 4K theatre, all located on Birmingham-Southern College’s campus.

The event will feature a silent auction and local artisans, including well-known vendors Yogi Dada, Freedom Soaps, Meghan Howell, and more, with many unique pieces for sale. Yogi Dada will provide a live painting demonstration at the event.

The silent auction is full of packages that have been thoughtfully crafted, whether you are hoping to put on your boogie shoes with KC & The Sunshine Band, go on a retreat in a stunning home featured on Tiny House Nation, or take some friends on a fishing excursion on Lake Purdy.

“Unlike a lot of fundraisers, we also educate about natural wonders and the biodiversity of Alabama,” says Roald Hazelhoff, executive director. “We feature fun trips and eco experiences in our state.”

The event will have items priced for all attendees to find something that they can invest in to support students in the community. Hazelhoff encourages groups to join in on sponsoring a school bus, with three people making the cost only $100 per person.

Tickets are $40 and include tasty local food, beer, and wine – two drinks per ticket. Purchase your tickets here.

If you are interested in supporting this cause, but are unable to attend the event, you can still be involved by sponsoring a “Magic School Bus” now for $300.

No matter how you choose to get involved with this fundraiser, you can help students learn how they can preserve and protect their community.