Community Celebrates at Spring Gala

Kiddo!’s Spring Gala, held Saturday, March 16, at the Mill Valley Community Center, was an unqualified success, as 550 parents, teachers, staff, and business partners gathered to celebrate Kiddo!’s successful fundraising year and support its programs into the future.

The evening began with cocktails provided by Bartenders Unlimited, Laughing Glass Cocktails, and Mill Valley Market, and silent bidding on auction items donated by business partners and other members of the community.   Then the party moved into the community center’s dining space, where 53 tables decorated in black and white with stunning lighted orchid centerpieces by Off the Vine flowers surrounded a dance floor.

Party-goers dined on herb and garlic brined chicken breast, grilled pepper crusted flank steak, and quinoa salad with sautéed kale and fresh herbs provided by Jane Hammond Events, and enjoyed wine from Garnet Vineyards and desserts by NameSake Cheesecake.  Music was provided by local favorite Marble Party, with a special arrangement of Rita Abram’s “Mill Valley” performed by Mill Valley music teachers Anna Stearns, Nora Thomas and Cayce Carnahan.  There was also a live auction, during which auctioneer Christian Kolberg guided the bidding for ten items that included private dinners, fabulous getaways, a VIP Studio Tour, and even an America’s Cup Package. The night’s fundraising culminated in the traditional Fund-A-Need drive, which this year was in support of Innovative Teaching Grants.

All told, the Gala raised close to $200,000 to preserve art, music, poetry, technology, library and classroom aides, and physical education for Mill Valley’s children, and to support creative teaching methods that will challenge them in new and exciting ways.  “This is the most amazing community and school district,” said Gala Co-Chair Sophia Ferro.  “The Gala was just a small snapshot of a community standing behind its children and their potential.”

But the Gala is not just a great party that raises money to support Kiddo!’s programs.  It’s an opportunity for Kiddo! to thank its donors and look back on our accomplishments together.  “This year especially, Kiddo! has much to be thankful for,” notes Kiddo! Executive Director Trisha Garlock.  “Between the passage of Measure B, the adoption of a shared solutions district budget, Kiddo!’s meeting its fundraising goal for the current year, and the success of Kiddo!’s participation challenge – with over 78% of district families contributing – the Mill Valley School District is on firmer ground than it has been in years.”

Kiddo! is also grateful for the work of the many volunteers who made this year’s Gala such a success, in particular its co-chairs, Sophia Ferro and Kellie Kessel.  While Kiddo!’s programs depend heavily on the fundraising support of our community and the hard work of its staff, much of what it does would not be possible without the dedicated work of volunteers like these.  Thank you to all who have contributed their time and financial support to help Kiddo! continue to do what it has done for over three decades: enrich the education of Mill Valley’s children.

This year’s Gala was sponsored by HealthNet, William Blair and Company, Parkside Lending, Questus along with two wonderful families.

Full List of Donors/Sponsors:     Donors Page 1     Donors Page 2     Sponsors