They are Great Options, whether the economy is up or down.

Thanks to the Manteca Kindred Arts Concert Association’s annual fund-raiser, aptly called The Great Options Drawing, one can snag a lot of basement bargains around, from a Mother Lode escape valued at more than $250 which includes enjoying the creature comforts at the National Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Jamestown, to a Night on the Town with tickets for two at The Gallo Center in Modesto, plus authentic Italian cuisine at De Vega Brothers and dining in style at Isadore’s in Manteca.

Any of the 11 Great Options offered in the one and only fund-raiser held each year to benefit the nonprofit concert association could be had for as little at $5. That’s the price of a ticket to this drawing, or 10 for $45. Tickets will be available at the Sunday, May 21 concert, held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Manteca starting at 3 p.m. The drawing will be held at the reception following the concert. One need not be present to win.

Advance tickets may be requested by calling (209) 239-1730.

Now in its 24th concert season, the Manteca Kindred Arts is solely supported by generous donations and from the proceeds of this annual Great Options Drawing. It is the only fund-raiser during the year benefiting the organization whose mission is to bring classical music to Manteca and surrounding area. Proceeds from this effort, plus the donations from various individuals and other sources, make it possible for the Kindred Arts to present artists of national and international caliber in this Manteca venue at admission prices that don’t break the bank for classical music lovers.
The Great Options fundraiser is different from other drawings in that tickets purchased don’t go into one pool. Instead, one can choose one or more options in which to place their tickets and the winner will be drawn separately from each individual pool.

Those who do not want to take part in the Great Options but would like to help the Kindred Arts may give a tax-exempt donation to the organization. Donations can be mailed to Manteca Kindred Arts, 1545 Terracina Circle, Manteca, CA 95336.

Below is a list of the 11 Great Options:
•Manteca Kindred Arts family season ticket for 2010-11 valued at $90 (ticket is for two adults and family members under 18).
•Night on the Town tickets for two to selected shows donated by Gallo Center of Modesto. Value depends on selection.
•Authentic Italian cuisine valued at $50 compliments of De Vega Brothers and Kindred Arts Auxiliary.
•Musical lessons this summer taught by Manteca’s “outstanding, respected musician,” Ann Talcott. “A wonderful gift for a child or an adult who is longing to play a musical instrument and needs an opportunity to explore the piano, organ, or a variety of instruments,” according to the Kindred Arts. Valued at $100.
•A basket of quality hair products donated by Sadie’s Beauty Salon, and a $20 gift certificate to be used at Sadie’s donated by Kindred Arts Patrons. Prize if valued $66+.
•A bundle of prizes for an evening at home watching movie that includes four movies (two for adults, two for children), plus a Blockbuster gift certificate, snacks (popcorn and candy), even a lap blanket to snuggle under. This prize, valued at $50, is donated by Kindred Arts Patrons.
•Dinner for two at Isadore’s restaurant in Manteca valued at $75 compliments of Isadore’s and Kindred Arts patrons.
•Mother Lode Escape consisting of two tickets for a performance at Sierra Repertory Theater in Sonora, dinner and overnight at the National Hotel Bed and Breakfast in Jamestown. The $50 dinner certificate for two is donated by a Kindred Arts board member. All together, this package is valued at more than $250.
•Peet’s Gourmet Coffee, for coffee connoisseurs and java junkies, includes a full year’s supply of Peet’s Gourmet Coffee donated by The Peet’s Coffee and Tea Store in Stockton. Winner will receive a gift certificate for a pound of gourmet coffee each month. Value of more than $155 is dependent on coffee selections.
•Celebration Basket where the winner will create their own celebration with a basket filled with champagne, four champagne glasses, assortment of crackers, appetizers, chocolates, and hand-dipped beeswax candles to set the mood. Prize, valued at more than $50, is compliments of candle maker Robert St. John and the Kindred Arts Patrons.
•Handyman Helpers – a prize valued at $125 and donated by Home Depot, consists of a tool box for men or women filled with an assortment of useful hand tools such as hammer, tape measure, pliers, plus a Husky 65-piece ratcheting socket and bit driver set, along with a Workforce 105 screwdriver set.