Aliso Viejo, CA, May 2009—During a time when it appears that there is no light at the end of the tunnel of economic gloom, a beacon shines in the form of generous hearts who cherish the best in education for their children. St. Mary and All Angels announced the results of its recent “Angels in Paradise Tribute to Leadership” Gala fundraiser held at the Fairmont in Newport Beach. A total of $158,000 (net) was raised that evening to benefit the independent, non-denominational Christian school, which is also an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
“This wonderful event reaffirmed the unique and special sense of community that epitomizes St. Mary’s,” said Headmaster John O’Brien.
In addition to generously supporting St. Mary’s during the event’s silent and live auctions, the more than 400 guest honored 2009 Legacy Leadership Award recipients Chris Driggs, General Manager, Orange County Starz Lacrosse and St. Mary’s Lacrosse Coach, and Liviya James, St. Mary’s eighth grade student. Service awards were also presented to 13 members of the St. Mary’s faculty and staff. The gala co-chairs were Gerri Flanagan and Byerlei Strohmeier who with worked with more than 70 fellow parent volunteers before and during the event. Live auction items included an Augusta Masters Hospitality Weekend, Chicago Shopping Spree and Trip and a Montage Resort Weekend. Toward the end of the evening, guests were treated to a “Dancing with the Stars” performance by Londance Dance Studios of Laguna Niguel, as well as live music by Mitch Woods and His Rocket 88’s.
Founded in 1994 by Father Ernest D. Sillers, St. Mary and All Angels is a non-denominational Christian school (preschool through grade 8) and an authorized IB World School. Students are equipped to be life-long learners, have faith-based principles and proceed as global-minded citizens. St. Mary’s is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), International Baccalaureate (IB), California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES), the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is a member of National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). For more information, call (949) 448-9027 or visit www.smaa.org.
Submitted By;
Doug Fleischli, Director, Marketing
St. Mary and All Angels School
7 Pursuit Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Email: doug.fleischli@smaa.org Web: www.smaa.org
