SAS Community Raises Over $625K for Financial Aid Students
The numbers are in and what a story they tell: St. Andrew’s parents, faculty, and friends tapped into their generous spirits to raise over $625,000 at the Spring Gala for Financial Aid on April 21. These funds will directly benefit 143 St. Andrew’s students who rely on financial assistance to make their dream of a St. Andrew’s education possible.
This year’s Gala Chair, St. Andrew’s parent Angie Berry, coordinated a volunteer committee of over 90 parents to create a memorable evening at The Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin. Reflecting on the final tally, Angie says, “When I think of the impact these funds will have on our students, I feel overwhelmed. I was a child whose education was transformed by scholarship and financial aid monies. I know first hand the dramatic impact these funds can make on a child’s future.”
The night kicked off with music by Big Night Quartet, featuring St. Andrew’s second grade teacher and jazz crooner Andy Boutot. Guests sipped on cocktails, bid on premium silent auction items, and tested their luck with the Kendra Scott jewelry box pull before dinner in the ballroom. LS/MS Chaplain Ashley Brandon offered a blessing of gratitude for the giving hearts in attendance, and Head of Upper School Todd Stephenson reiterated that gratitude, emphasizing the powerful effect financial aid has on the entire school community.
Auctioneer George Vaught rallied attendees to bid big for a worthy cause on the live auction items: a 10-day trip to Vietnam, a private-collection tequila tasting and dinner, a stay at exclusive California Golf Club, UT Touchdown Club tickets, a week-long stay in The Box House outside Los Angeles, a custom Diana Greenberg painting, a private dinner at Uchiko, VIP tickets to Formula 1, and a downtown Austin staycation package.
For the second year in a row, the Sheth family generously matched each dollar pledged during Paddles Up, bringing in a stunning total of $256,900 for that portion of the evening alone. The energetic room fell to a rare hush as Head of Lower School Kama Bruce pulled the name of the golf cart raffle winner: congrats to Kristin and Greg Gish, parents of first-grader Teddy and kindergartner Cecily!
Local rock band Groove Knight closed the evening with all the favorite pop-rock hits that had guests dancing the night away.
As part of the Spring Gala fundraiser, the Online Teacher Auction raised $34,490. In appreciation to our faculty who donated their time, talent, and dollars to make this year's auction so successful, St. Andrew’s raffled off gift cards to Bonhomie and Odd Duck. Congrats to winners Rebecca Jobe and Heather Robinson!
All proceeds from the Gala go toward St. Andrew’s Financial Aid program, ensuring its doors remain open to the best and brightest students regardless of their socioeconomic status. Watch the Spring Gala 2018 video here to understand the enriched academic experience our donors provide for all our students.
Follow our official Instagram @sasaustin to get alerted when the Spring Gala photo gallery is online (Spring Gala 2018 photo gallery on SmugMug here!)
Thank You, Top Sponsors!
The Sheth Family
Realty Austin - Yvette and Jonathan Boatwright
Kristin Orr Miller and David J. Miller
Shepherd 5 Points Family Foundation - Robin and Gene Shepherd
August Morgan by Kate Hersch
RetailMeNot
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Ameriprise Financial
Anonymous (2)
Kathryn & Kyle Chandler
Rachel & Stephen Cook
Edie Rogat & Cotter Cunningham
Jazz & Francois Du Pasquier
Amy & Randy Erben
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Mulva
Anna & Jason Near
The Antonelli, Curry, Demerath, Haney, and Yang Families
Thank You, Live Auction Donors!
Anonymous
Sarah Avery and Matt Wayne
Huyen Cao and Shane Hayes
Martha and Greg Clay
Diana Greenberg
Katy McCallum/Stratus Properties
Linus Nelson
Uchiko
Yvette and Jason Wesbecher
