Two prominent west metro area school district foundations are asking supporters to put on their best attire and attend fundraising soirees next month.

As public schools grapple with budget cuts, foundations like those found at private schools have sprung up to help fund various classroom and extracurricular needs.

Minnetonka

The Minnetonka Public Schools Foundation's fifth annual Dream Makers Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd.

Kate Bryant, a foundation board member, said last month that money from ticket sales and silent and live auctions primarily benefit the group's endowment fund.

Bryant said the foundation's first "dream project" is the new writing center at Minnetonka High School. The school will receive $50,000 a year for five years to staff the center. It opened in November.

Tickets for Minnetonka's gala start at $90. For more, call 952-401-5040 or go to www. minnetonkafoundation.com.

Hopkins

In the neighboring Hopkins School District, the Hopkins Education Foundation will host its ninth annual gala at 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 S. 7th St., Minneapolis.

Hopkins foundation officials said they hope to raise $125,000.

Tickets for the Hopkins gala start at $125. For more, call 952-988-4097 or go to www.hopkins educationfoundation.org.

Sponsorships are available for both events.

Minnesota dentists concerned about the growing number of children without access to dental care will provide free dental care to low-income children on Feb. 1 and 2.

The statewide event, called Give Kids a Smile, is sponsored by the Minnesota Dental Association.

Dental care will be available in community-based clinics and private practices in many locations around the state.

All patients must have appointments in advance and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents may call the United Way at 1-800-543-7709. Operators will have a list of participating dental offices and will direct families to locations in their area to schedule an appointment.

Services offered by participating dentists for children ages 3 to 18 will include preventive care, such as cleaning, sealants and fluoride treatments, and restorative care, such as fillings.

Information on specific services will be provided when families schedule appointments.

Please send school notes to prelerford@startribune.com.