Passport to Greece Breaks $300,000 Mark
The 2006 Spring Benefit: Passport to Greece held on April 8 broke a new record and, for the first time, raised $314,620 net to support financial aid, faculty development, academic programs and the general operations of the school.
Two areas that experienced tremendous growth to help surpass the $300,000 mark are corporate sponsorship, chaired by Eleanor Ratchford, and the live auction, thanks to the efforts of auctioneer Jan Bilthouse and the many parents and corporations who donated and purchased fantastic trips and unique items.
Chaired by Christina Smedley McCarthy, the Spring Benefit was a sold-out event. The Benefit was held at AIS, and featured a new layout that provided a separate area for dancing and socializing. This ensured a good time was had by all, especially when Athletic Director Hal Fairbanks’ band, The New Educators, took the stage. In addition to dancing and entertainment, guests enjoyed Greek-inspired cocktails and cuisine, thanks to the efforts of Food & Beverage Chairs Rudy & Lois Beserra, Crissy Klaus, and Betsy San Miguel.
Also increasing this year were student contributions to the Benefit. For the first time, students produced a video entitled “A Day in the Life of AIS” to be shown at the event. The video was produced by seniors Alex Akhavan, Afrooz Family, Victor Mathieu and Albert Melamed with faculty advisor Brandon Rogers.
The following students made a spectacular dramatic effect, acting as “live” Greek statues, among other volunteer roles, on the night of the event:
- Alex Akhavan
- Graham Belton
- Sabrina Besenfelder
- Avi Ben-Shmuel
- Aria Curtis
- Aida Curtis
- Emerence de Potesta
- Paige Enfinger
- Andrea Feuer
- Quitterie Gounot
- Cassie Huntley
- Kate Mischaikow
- Courtney Rees
- Julia Taylor
The Grade 5 students spent countless hours after school with art teacher Joyce O’Brien and parent volunteers making Greek-inspired papier-mâché buildings that were used as centerpieces. These buildings not only created memorable décor, but also contributed to the financial success of the event, as they were sold as souvenirs. A special thank you goes to Rose Ferguson and Anita Leopold for chairing the Décor Committee and working with all of the students who participated.
Other highlights of the evening included a successful silent auction chaired by Lynn-Anne Huck (Acquisitions), Diane John (Auction Set-up) and Lisa Cannon Taylor (Student Art). A Viking grill donated by Peter and Nancy Bauer was given away in the “Heads & Tails” game played after the Live Auction, and the Goddard family was the winner of the Tuition Drawing.
Photograph proofs from the event will be online, sometime during the first week of May, at www.duanejonesphotography.com. Visitors can click-on the “View Proofs” link on the home page and, if desired, can order prints directly.