Montessori Center School “Rocks” Annual Gala

The Montessori Center School held its annual soirée fundraiser on March 9 at the Santa Barbara Women’s Club. This year’s theme was ‘90s Rock ’n’ Roll, and they rocked that ballroom! The top costume was sported by Primary teacher Kacy Cristofani and her husband Chris Burke as Wayne & Garth of Wayne’s World. 

The cocktail reception featured specialty cocktails by Cutler’s Artisan Spirits, two tables packed with silent auction items and a step ’n’ repeat photo op. The top theme-related auction item was the denim jacket by Carpinteria artist Chris Gocong who painted his rendition of Taylor Swift on the back of the jacket. 

The Auction Committee was Hayley Carradine, Keith Carradine, Birgit Crable, Kacy Cristofani, Lisa Lavora-De Beule, Susan Do, Christina Doheny, Amelia French, Lizzie Golden, Erin Ohlgren, Dasha Russ, Rachel Tennant, Amy Whiteford, and Jillian Gould.

After seating, Vanessa Jackson, the interim and newly appointed Head of School, welcomed the guests and provided thanks to the primary donors of the evening, Susanand Phong Do. She talked about the school and this year’s fundraiser, thanking everyone for their contributions.

Following dinner, Geoff Green, CEO of CalNonprofits, led the live auction and the ask. Live auction items included the sixth-grade artwork made of paper and paint on canvas inspired by LA-based artist RETNA; a hand-painted guitar; and a vinyl record tribute constructed from actual records and paint on canvas. Next, guests were treated to a dessert station by GenV and Rascal’s Vegan, live dance music by The Last Decade band, and a Glow Game Lounge hang.

Attendees were teachers, staff, volunteers, parents and alumni. Noted guests were Kami and Tim Morton-Smith, Anne Shaw-Hey and Michael-James Hey; and Amy and Don MacLeod. 

And nods to the classroom representatives for their work: Sarah Anthony, Tania Fiedorek, Sofie Blomst, Robin Deinhard, Josephine Lin, Tara Fergusson, Caitlin Slutzky, Heather Van Buren, Abby Alexiades, Jeni Janci, Julie Milham, Dasha Russ, Nikki Bowen, Genevieve Pelletier, Megan Hepburn, Grace Choy, Robin Deinhard, and Amy Whiteford.

The event organization and PR was led bySr. Director Community Engagement Lisa Lavora-De Beule,whom we will soon miss as she is heading back to her home in the NYC area with her husband and children. The annual auction benefit is a celebration of the school’s unique educational experience that Montessori provides. 

411: www.mcssb.org