Saturday night’s Country School Gala was an overwhelming success by any standard. The event itself was masterfully orchestrated, creatively re-invented, and lots of fun. Hundreds of volunteers and donors joined forces to achieve our most successful financial results ever, thus making possible for our students next year the numerous special and defining touches that the Parents’ Association provides. Despite the backdrop of a challenging economic climate, we had record attendance, soaring spirits, and strong generosity.
While one of the event’s strong points is the number of volunteers who get involved, it is mind boggling to consider all that the Gala chair takes on when accepting the position. On behalf of the entire school community, I want to offer bounteous thanks and kudos to Diane Francis, the event’s chair, for all she took on and accomplished for our children and school. Her efforts were remarkable, tireless, and visionary. I also want to thank co-chair Tina Urquhart; Parents’ Association President Allison Satchell; and Emilie Joshi, Audra Beane, Deirdre Bugg, Connie Alderfer, Talli Oxnam, Christy Bartlett, Alicia Calderon, Parker Spurry, Annie Raymond, Tim Paris, Wendy Denny, Rhonda Thomson, Anne Petosa, and Paige Bethke, who chaired key committees. It was truly an awesome team.
Anyone who saw the “Our Children… Our Stars” video that opened the dinner was inspired by what the Gala, the CSPA, and all our donors and volunteers make possible for our children. The kids’ beaming faces said it all. Thank you to each of you for all you did to support the event, ensure its success, and keep those faces beaming.