Record-Breaking Soirée for St. Andrew’s
The numbers are in and what a story they tell: St. Andrew’s Episcopal School raised $750,511 at the Spring Soirée for Financial Aid on April 8. This record-breaking total will directly benefit the program that currently supports 159 St. Andrew’s students. Click here to see our Spring Soirée photo gallery on SmugMug.
“When I heard how much money we raised for our financial aid program, I felt thrilled for our community,” says Jennifer Marsh, Soirée co-chair and St. Andrew’s parent. “I know it’s one of our primary goals as a school to have a diverse student body. This incredible response from our community will help tremendously in achieving that goal.”
Special guest speaker Nina Molanphy—a St. Andrew’s senior and financial aid recipient—gave a moving testimonial about her 12-year student experience. She thanked the St. Andrew’s community for their unwavering support, and for the financial aid program that enabled her and her brother to continue attending St. Andrew’s after their father’s sudden passing. Nina says, “Because St. Andrew’s financial aid program was there, I didn’t have to lose my teachers, coaches, and friends too.”
The giving spirit was in the air as 585 guests bid big on silent and live auction items; one St. Andrew’s family made a matching gift on the spot. Jennifer Marsh adds, “One of my favorite moments of the night was when the Vespa raffle winners offered it up to be auctioned off and we raised an additional $4,000.”
“Beyond all the volunteers who helped pull off the fundraiser, we had amazing vendors, donors and companies who were wonderfully professional and generous,” says Soirée co-chair and St. Andrew’s parent Jen Nield. The breezy evening on Lions Municipal Golf Course began with cocktails, lawn games, and special musical performances by St. Andrew’s own Upper School rock bands. A delicious dinner by 34th Street Cafe was soon followed by local rock band Suede, who closed the evening with all the favorite pop-rock hits that had guests dancing the night away.
Reflecting on the individual efforts of so many to make a successful fundraising event, Jennifer Marsh and Jen Nield agree, “We are blessed.”
All proceeds from the Soirée go toward St. Andrew’s financial aid program, ensuring its doors remain open to the best and brightest students regardless of their socioeconomic status. St. Andrew’s parents, faculty, friends, and sponsors have shown their commitment to this important facet of a St. Andrew’s education.
