Page 5 - NJC Magazine Spring 2017

60th
It was our distinct pleasure and honour to chair the 60th Anniversary Gala Committee in support of Neuchâtel Junior College. We want to thank all of you, once again, for your encouragement in this year of outstanding spirit, pride, and goodwill towards our school.
We both were thrilled to have had the opportunity to celebrate the occasion with you, in what turned out to be our most successful anniversary celebration yet. There were almost 1,000 attendees and we received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the event. From the hors d’oeuvres and meal, to the music, the venue, the décor and the excellent company—it was an exceptional evening.
The celebration of our 60th year was quite an undertaking and we were advised by our event planning company that, for an independent school event such as this, we could expect proceeds of around $200,000. Now that the final accounting has been approved, we are pleased to announce that the event raised nearly $220,000, all of which will directly benefit our Scholarships, Bursary and Campus Capital programs. Our peer schools in our association have also marveled at our tremendous turnout.
We would like to acknowledge the many people who worked so hard to make the event a success. First, thank you to our Honorary Co-Chairs, 2016 Past Parent Toby Jenkins and 1993
Alumnus Anthony Lacavera, both of whom graciously spoke at the event and gave so generously in support of the endeavor. Kudos must go out to emcee Marc Kielburger ’95 who kept the event running so effortlessly, with his signature poise and enthusiasm for his alma mater.
As Sally Morris, Chair of the Canadian Advisory Committee and a valued member of the Gala Committee said, “The increased engagement of our community over these many months led not only to fabulous events on both sides of the ocean, but also to an undeniably positive buzz about NJC that has extended well beyond the NJC Community and which continues to this day.”
As Co-Chairs, we owe a debt of gratitude to our dynamic and dedicated team of Class Representatives, Head of School, Bill Boyer and the committee members who worked so hard to make the gala an outstanding success.
Importantly, we are also grateful to all of our valued Patrons, Corporate Donors and everyone who donated so generously to our auction and raffle. Thank you for your help — we couldn’t have done it without you.
Reuniting our alumni is integral to the vibrancy of our community, and to have accomplished such a successful event, while raising more than ever before, is especially gratifying. The evening wouldn’t have been quite so fun without the help of those who donated to our live auction and raffle. The excitement generated by our enthusiastic bidders was palpable and entertaining for all. Thank you! We are deeply appreciative of donors and bidders alike.
Should you have any questions about the event or would like to congratulate Bill on his approaching retirement or the success of the event, please contact him at wboyer@njc.ch or (41) (0) 32 722 1861.
There is no question that our success is a testament to the value that NJC alumni and parents place on their experience of Neuchâtel Junior College. Our community is critical in creating a transformational education for every NJC student now and for future generations.
The gala efforts have helped to energize advancement at NJC—in part, the 60th celebration inspired Chairs of the Canadian Advisory Committee, past and present, to establish the Marcel Jeanneret Scholarship Fund. An additional investment of $150,000 (beyond the gala revenue) will be awarded to talented young students over the next 5 years in honour of the remarkable Past President of our Conseil de fondation (Board of Directors), Marcel Jeanneret, who served in the role from 1987-2006.
Thank you to all whose involvement, generosity, and commitment—whether as a guest, committed volunteer, or through a gift or pledge in celebration of the school—continue to move our exceptional school forward.
Sincerely,
Gala Celebration
in Canada
Après Neuch
news and souvenirs for alumni, families and friends
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Max Thompson ’88
60th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair
Beth Weingarden ’80
60th Anniversary Gala Co-Chair