Forever Plaid: Tartan Nightclub Dazzles St. Margaret’s Community

Last weekend’s all-school fundraiser Forever Plaid: Tartan Nightclub welcomed more than 300 members of the St. Margaret’s community to AV Irvine for a night of friendship, fun and generous support of St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, its students, faculty and programs.

Under the backdrop of a blue-lit stylish nightclub setting, more than 250 items donated by St. Margaret’s families were displayed for auction and bid on by current parents, alumni, past parents, faculty and staff in attendance. In addition, attendees pledged support toward this year’s Fund A Need, a 6,000-square foot Visual Arts Center to be built on the second floor of the Gateway Building.

“It is such a joy to do this work, and see everyone’s efforts come together in such a momentous occasion because we love the school and we believe in the important contributions the PTF makes to St. Margaret’s and our children,” said event co-chair Lynda Collier. “It would not be possible without the tremendous support of so many parent volunteers and donors. We are forever grateful for all their support and fellowship.”

Fellow event co-chair Margo Gunderson added: “Tartan Nightclub began as an idea to create a chic, glamorous, sophisticated party for the annual Forever Plaid school fundraiser, and seeing it come to fruition beyond our imagination was a tremendous joy. The décor, ambience and the exquisite menu and program, set the tone for a magical night. Our families had a fantastic time, from the exciting live auction, to the dance floor, and at the fun donut and ice cream sandwich bar, all in support of St. Margaret’s and our children. We couldn’t be more proud of or more grateful for the incredible success.”

Across the blue carpet and beyond the velvet ropes, the evening officially kicked off with the traditional sound of bagpipes, followed by a blessing by The Reverend Earl Gibson and a welcome toast by President of the Board of Trustees Jason Weiss and Head of School Will Moseley. Mr. Weiss and Mr. Moseley also presented gifts to Mrs. Gunderson and Mrs. Collier, as well as PTF President Pam Cruse and PTF Executive Board Member Katherine C de Baca.

“Tartan Nightclub was an extraordinary success and we are deeply grateful to all the volunteers, donors and community members who participated and attended. These dedicated Tartans contributed in countless and tireless ways to bringing their vision for this fantastic event to life and making the night possible,” said Mr. Moseley.

Mrs. Cruse added: "We're so appreciative of our incredible, unstoppable event co-chairs Lynda Collier and Margo Gunderson, and can't thank them enough for everything they've done."
 

After a wonderful dinner and successful live and silent auctions, DJ EJ put on an electric performance as attendees danced the night away.

Forever Plaid: Tartan Nightclub owes its success to the generous donations from family and friends. Nolet Spirits, Penske Jaguar Land Rover Cerritos, Lugano Diamonds, Audi Mission Viejo/Infiniti of Mission Viejo/Volvo Cars Mission Viejo and the many underwriters and donors helped immensely and contributed to the success of the evening. A big thank you also goes out to the committee of volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make the event run smoothly. DJ EJ, Square Root Designs and On Call Event Rentals added the finishing touches to the night.

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