Spring Gala: Los Encinos Lodge

By Stacy Bernstein, Spring Gala Chair

The Los Encinos Community knows how to step up and make a big impact, and the 2018 Spring Gala was no exception. Keeping with the school-wide theme for the year (natural world), guests were invited to a camping/outdoor-themed night at the “Los Encinos Lodge” hosted at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.  An at-capacity crowd showed up in their best camping attire and were welcomed with sips (including the evening’s signature drink, The Campfire Sour), snacks, and a beautifully curated Silent Auction led by Harriett Ching. This laid back, fun part of the evening set the tone for the rest of the night as attendees made their way into the main ballroom for the rest of the program.

 

As guests entered, they were transported to the great outdoors – tents, lanterns, campfires and more!  The unique and detailed event design was led by the incredible efforts of Merav Goldman and a team of parent volunteers to bring this fun vision to life. As people entered the room taking note of all the details, you could see the bright smiles on their faces – they knew a good time was about to be had!

As the evening program commenced, guests watched the video “Agents of Change,” which highlighted one of the core messages of the year.

WATCH OUR “AGENTS OF CHANGE” VIDEO BELOW:

After this touching video, our MC for the evening, Alum Parent, Bill Birch, led the fundraising with a Raise the Paddle initiative and the Live Auction.  Bill did an impeccable job as first year host.

After the main program, guests jumped in the MirMir photo booth, generously donated by LES parent Ryan Glenn, danced into the evening hours with world renowned DJ Michael Antonia (The Flashdance), and played life sized games of checkers, connect four and corn hole under the stars.

When all was said and done, it was a record-breaking year and the event raised $210,000. People left feeling inspired, and proud to be part of an event that exemplified so much of the true Los Encinos spirit.

Many thanks to Ilene, the Board of Trustees, and the Parent Association Board for supporting our efforts, being open to new ideas and helping us find ways to execute our vision.  Thank you to the entire event committee for the countless hours you put in to make the night so very special. And finally, a HUGE thank you to the entire LES community, parents, staff, alumni, and friends who continue to be the heart and soul of our very special school — your commitment, generosity, and dedication are remarkable and you helped make this event soar above the sequoias!