This Saturday’s “Vegas Style” Gala marks the return of our auction to our home turf. There’s lots of excitement about bringing the event back to school, about the new format, and about hoping that, with a lower ticket price, lots of parents will turn out for what will be a great evening of camaraderie and fun, all benefitting every student in the school. Typically raising about 80% of the Parents’ Association annual budget, the Gala makes possible all of our field trips, all of our assemblies, all of our physical education and athletics budget, and all of our outdoor education trips. The auction also funds substantial CSPA contributions to the library, the endowment fund, and the financial aid budget. In addition, it underwrites each student’s school opening supply packet and our Holiday Breakfast, Family Fun Night, Dorothy Andrew Day picnic, and Upper School musical. So many of the defining touches that our children know as The Country School are only possible because of all the generosity the auction generates.
Every ticket sold this year also makes a contribution to what the event sponsors for our children. We are also dependent, of course, on generous bids at the event itself, so be sure to keep in mind where the money goes when you are contemplating a purchase. In addition, “fund-a-need” contributions, item donations, raffle ticket purchases, sponsorships, and advertising ensure that we can continue to offer our children the things we’ve become accustomed to as part of their Country School experience. Thus the event merits -- and needs -- each parent’s strong support. Even if you can’t be there, please consider purchasing a ticket, making a donation, or checking out the auction’s website at www.countryschoolgala.org for ways you can still be supportive.
Great energy, planning, creativity, and generosity have been extended by many people in order to ensure the success of this year’s Gala. I would like to thank in advance the following volunteers for their extraordinary commitment to making the event, and all it funds, possible:
- our extraordinary chair Christina Hoff who stepped up to the plate in her very first year as a Country School parent and literally made sure that the event -- and all it funds -- would still happen; we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Christina;
- Parents’ Association President Jenny Benson who also stepped up big time and, in essence, served as the co-chair of the event;
- Country School families in the restaurant business who very generously volunteered to make the food memorable: Andrew Evans of The BBQ Joint, Jini Friedman of Scossa,, Matt Mason of Mason’s, and Joe and Parker Spurry of Bay Hundred Seafood.
- silent auction chair Lauren Mangold and live auction chair Heather Darby-Donovan;
- and these committee chairs -- Jenny Benson and Christina Hoff (program); Alicia Calderon (decorating); Wendy Denny (advertising); Allison Hill (ticket sales); Laura Messenger (tuition raffle); Megan Nittle, Gina Brent, and Carol Graves (Kindergarten quilt); Christine Parish (thank yous); Tim Paris (tabulations and website); Annie Raymond (set up); Parker Spurry and Debbie Elmes (underwriting)
- Diane Francis, Emilie Joshi, and Talli Oxnam for sharing all their experience and expertise, and for rolling up their sleeves to help out;
- and all of our dedicated committee members.
I want to thank you on behalf of our children for your extraordinary support of their education and our Vegas Style auction. Hope to see you there!