Last Saturday’s All-School Fundraiser “Forever Plaid” decorated The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with plaid spirit, both in décor and dress. Current parents, alumni, past parents, faculty and staff made up the Tartan attendees. The evening celebrated St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, its students, faculty and programs.

The group came alive for the 2016 Fund A Need. This year’s Fund A Need, the St. Margaret’s Endowment, impacts our current and future students in perpetuity. Click here to read more about the St. Margaret’s Endowment. More than $425,000 in immediate funds and $100,000 in planned gifts was donated during the evening making this the largest Fund A Need to date. Building the endowment is a strategic priority for the school as the revenue returns annually to directly support programs, faculty, financial aid and other school priorities.

Other highlights of the evening were the sounds of bagpipes, a blessing by The Reverend James Livingston and a welcome and toast by Board President Jason Weiss and Head of School William N. Moseley, who also presented flowers to Parent Teacher Fellowship President Lynda Collier, event chair Margo Gunderson and PTF Office Manager Beth Adamany on behalf of the entire community.

Click here for a photo gallery. Watch the moving event opening video here.

Guests perused more than 200 silent auction items ranging from specialty wines, featured class baskets, sports and entertainment packages, health, fashion and everything in between. And, after successful Silent and Live Auctions, Bonnie Foster Productions added to the excitement with a lively performance, keeping the crowd on the dance floor into the wee hours of the night.

“Forever Plaid” owes its success to the generous donations from our school family and friends. Nolet Spirits, Penske Jaguar Land Rover Cerritos, Lugano Diamonds and numerous underwriters and donors who contributed to the fabric of the night. A hearty thank you also goes to the committee of volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly on the event. Atlas Party Rentals, Bonnie Foster Productions, Heidelberg Pastry Shop, Larsen Lighting and Audio, Square Root Designs added the finishing touches to the night.

Thank you to all to participated in “Forever Plaid.”

If you are interested in supporting the St. Margaret’s Endowment and the continued excellence of the school, please contact Executive Director of Advancement Jonathan Tufo at jonathan.tufo@smes.org.