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Events in Review

An Impressionist Dream – Auction 2008

This year’s auction was held on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Bishop Garcia Diego High School in the school’s newly built practice gym. This annual event was enjoyed by some two hundred and eighty guests, a sold-out crowd.  The auction raised $296,000 (net, a school record).  In keeping with the event’s theme this year, the gym was transformed into a French market place scene to be enjoyed by all.  Proceeds from the event will fund the school’s Adopt-A-Student program which provides tuition assistance to student families, and other school projects. 

At this year’s event Keith and Tina Berry were honored for their 20 years of exceptional commitment to Bishop Garcia Diego High School.  The Berrys and their guests were seated at a specially designed table.  It’s décor complimented the auction’s theme and was entitled the Monet Table.  Also recognized with a standing ovation at the dinner, Sergeant Richard Gephart, Alumni from the class of ‘95, who recently returned from Iraq. 

The event was catered by Rincon Catering Company, wine was generously provided by Fess Parker Winery (Alumni and Parent Ashley Parker Snider) and Robitaille’s Fine Candies (Bishop Parents) provided “sweet” colored theme candies for all guests.  Additional donations and services were provided by Bella Vista Design Inc, K and J Coffee and Montecito Village Grocery. 

“An Impressionist Dream” came to life as guests walked through a beautifully designed French street market, to bid on an amazing array of silent and super silent auction items. The theme and décor was designed by Bishop’s own, Maddy Bascom; Auction Theme Décor Chair.  For dinner, guests strolled through a striking archway as they entered an expansive courtyard ablaze with hundreds of twinkle lights crisscrossing up above.  Flowers and arrangements were created by B and H Flowers and Valley Flowers, Inc. (Bishop Parents).

Before serving dinner, our auctioneer, Colonel Todd Ventura, sold the first live item of the night, the superbly decorated “Van Gogh Table”.  This VIP table will surely become a traditional first-auction-item. The “Van Gogh Table” offered VIP seating and decor, as well as personalized table service and gift baskets for all ten seated guests.  The top bidding table moved from their pre-assigned position  to this elaborately appointed table, to enjoy royal treatment for the entire evening.  Each of the lucky ten guests received a “Van Gogh” basket filled with local gifts and treats. 

Live auction items featured  exciting trips to Cancun, Los Tules Resort – Puerto Vallarta, Reagan Ranch, a Santa Cruz Island excursion, Sierra Nevada, Big Sky Country – Montana, Carmel and the Ritz Carlton in Colorado.  Other amazing items included: a lunch/tour for 20 at Carpinteria’s Rose Story Farm, tickets to the Notre Dame vs. Michigan football game, Lunch for 50 by Rincon Catering, Wine Tour (beer as well) in the Santa Ynez Valley, a signed Michael Jordan basketball, a Laird Hamilton stand-up paddleboard and tickets to two Los Angeles Lakers games.  We told you it was going to top all previous auctions and we were right! (Please view our auction catalogue for more details on the school’s live and super silent items).

“An Impressionist Dream” came to life through the efforts of an incredible Auction Committee.  On behalf of the school, its Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff, we offer our special thanks to our Auction Committees.

Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events
Stacey L. Carr

Acquisition Committee
Marisa Grimes - Barbara Hebda - Allison Schaumburg - Ruth Sleep - Martha Vitalari

Auction Displays
Tina DaRos - Mary Ann Gherini

Banking
RAVE Team - Santa Barbara Bank & Trust - Gary & Jodi Waples

Catalogue / Graphics
Sharon Verhasselt

Data Entry
Martha Vitalari

Reservations
Andrea Prado - Carolyn Taylor - Mary Jo Williams

Sponsors / Ads
Pam Langhorne

Theme Décor
Maddy Bascom