2018 Gala Success
School News
December 4, 2018- The 43rd Annual VMS Gala Winter Wonder was an incredible success in support of our students. This year’s event set records for gross proceeds with many thanks to our sponsors, attendees, auction donors and bidders. The gala was also a tremendous success in terms of volunteer engagement and the fun factor! Over 100 dedicated volunteers contributed countless hours working on all aspects of the event including sponsorship requests, class baskets, silent auction, entertainment, data entry and decor. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Here is an overview of the record-breaking financial success of the gala:
Speaking of the Paddle Raise… VMS alumnus Michael Johnston ’93 served as the MC for the Paddle Raise supporting the social emotional, physical and academic well being of our students. Michael shared how the traditions and values of VMS remain that same as they did during his 13 years at VMS. He also talked about the unique challenges that children face today and how we as a school can and should respond. In response, the VMS community raised their paddles high! As a result, we are already in the process of hiring a school counselor to expand services, inviting additional speakers to our campus to address the most pressing issues our students face, funding additional professional development, and more. In case you missed it, the VMS Paddle Raise video shares the story.
Watch Gala Paddle Video
Finally, an extra special thanks to our Advancement Office Coordinator Ariel Levine and to the Gala Committee that worked tirelessly for months to ensure the success of the Gala: Stephanie Henry & Melissa Provencher (co-chairs), Lindsi Bradbury, Carter Sharfstein, Caroline Stewart, Wendi Hanlon, Jenn Bruno, Tara Levine and Mandy Jaffe. This group was incredible to work with—fun, smart, talented and so much more.
Save the date for next year’s 44th Annual VMS Gala - Saturday, November 9th.
Here is an overview of the record-breaking financial success of the gala:
- Overall Gross Proceeds: $760,994 - over $50K more than our previous record in 2017
- Silent Auction: Over $200K for the first time in the event’s history
- Live Auction: $73,500
- Paddle Raise: $196,480
- Sponsorship: $223,000 (excluding in-kind support)
- Tickets & Donations: More than $62,000
Speaking of the Paddle Raise… VMS alumnus Michael Johnston ’93 served as the MC for the Paddle Raise supporting the social emotional, physical and academic well being of our students. Michael shared how the traditions and values of VMS remain that same as they did during his 13 years at VMS. He also talked about the unique challenges that children face today and how we as a school can and should respond. In response, the VMS community raised their paddles high! As a result, we are already in the process of hiring a school counselor to expand services, inviting additional speakers to our campus to address the most pressing issues our students face, funding additional professional development, and more. In case you missed it, the VMS Paddle Raise video shares the story.
Watch Gala Paddle Video
Finally, an extra special thanks to our Advancement Office Coordinator Ariel Levine and to the Gala Committee that worked tirelessly for months to ensure the success of the Gala: Stephanie Henry & Melissa Provencher (co-chairs), Lindsi Bradbury, Carter Sharfstein, Caroline Stewart, Wendi Hanlon, Jenn Bruno, Tara Levine and Mandy Jaffe. This group was incredible to work with—fun, smart, talented and so much more.
Save the date for next year’s 44th Annual VMS Gala - Saturday, November 9th.