marymount
Source: Marymount of Santa Barbara
Although Marymount of Santa Barbara’s annual auction “Magic of the Night” was virtual, the spirit felt through their live YouTube broadcast on March 13 was palpable.
“Saturday’s auction was a year to the date we closed, and getting our community back on campus starting in late August was nothing less than an extraordinary,” Chris Broderick, Head of School said. “The ability to keep our amazing students and teachers safely back on campus throughout this unprecedented year is truly something to celebrate.”
The event honored this accomplishment by sprinkling in a selection of fun video tributes from teachers and students as well as a powerful rendition of “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent. The school updated the lyrics to tell the story of Marymount’s year and asked families, students, trustees, faculty and staff to join together in this musical tribute of a year truly “measured in love and patience”. The final production told a story of our community that we will never forget and always cherish.
Broadcast live from the Marymount Tea House, the auction featured enticing items such as unique one of a kind art, trips to Mammoth and Cabo San Lucas, and collections of fine wine, and garnered over 100 viewers. Marymount parent, Andrew Firestone and Broderick co-hosted the evening and were joined by a local magician, who peppered in entertaining tricks throughout the event. Oku Head Chef and Marymount parent, Koji Nomura donated and prepared delectable three-course meals for all attendees, including a meal for all teachers and staff. The evening raised over $250,000 for the school.
“All of the proceeds will directly serve our community and our signature curricular programs in meaningful ways,” Andrea McFarling, Director of Development said. “From supporting our extraordinary faculty to continuing to provide the additional support and resources needed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our fundraising ensures we continue to lead as a school that prioritizes the importance of academic excellence through the lens of social and emotional wellness for all of our students and staff as we keep our school community thriving on a secure and safely open campus.”
In a demonstration of appreciation to the faculty, attendees could also purchase raffle tickets with the name of a teacher to be entered into a teacher raffle, which included gift-cards to local businesses and more.
“We’re blown away by the enthusiastic support,” Broderick said. “These proceeds will all go directly toward supporting our people and keeping our school the resilient beacon of hope it is.”
At Marymount, we provide student-centered, individualized learning in a joyful and nurturing community, inspiring academic excellence and valuing difference. The educational vision for each Marymount graduate is to empower individual potential, inspire purpose beyond self, and cultivate social responsibility as they prepare for high school and beyond.
For more information, email info@marymountsb.org or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.
