The St. Patrick’s community rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the Auction to Benefit the Financial Aid Program on Saturday, March 7, 2020. The theme—Lights, Camera, Auction!—brought the magic of cinema to the Day School campus and the Gymnasium & Performance Center. Our community, both near and far, were the real stars of the show as they helped raise critical funds for the Financial Aid Program.
The evening was made possible by our talented and dynamic parent volunteers and directed by our devoted Auction Co-Chairs: Claire Farver (Holt ‘23, Frances Gray ‘27), Johanna Howe (Barclay ‘26, Birdie ‘29), Michelle Maddux (Victor ‘21, Hedges ‘22, Scarlett ‘25), and Denise Prince (Helen ex. ‘19, Peter ex. ‘21, Sally ex. ‘24, Michael ‘29). The Nave, Great Hall, and Gymnasium & Performance Center were transformed with movie props, projections, and concessions to help set the scene. Guests walked the red carpet dressed as their favorite movie characters.
The Auction raised more than $460,000 to support the education of St. Patrick’s students, making it possible for the Day School to fulfill its commitment to socioeconomic diversity. Out of this total, more than $290,000 was raised directly through Fund-A-Scholar, with 212 donors taking part in raising their paddles or making online donations. About a quarter of our St. Patrick’s students receive financial aid, but every student receives the benefits. The Auction itself raises 18% of the financial aid budget and helps to open the door to even more families whose children will thrive here and endlessly enrich the St. Patrick’s community.