Page 52 - Priorities #74

Gala 2020 On a Safari Reimagined Virtually
52
Inearly March, just as in the previous 39 years, it was Gala season at Woodside Priory School. Our 2020 Gala, On A Safari was fast approaching. Cynthia Mahood Levin and her diligent committee had completed most of the work: auction items were procured, Count Me in Parties were planned, centerpieces were designed, and menus were selected–all in
preparation for a fantastic evening at Sharon Heights Country Club. Priory parents had done their part as well: tickets bought, donations made, tables organized, and parents were ready to show off their animal prints and safari gear.
Then with shock and awe, the Shelter in Place orders were invoked, social gathering were not to be, and many of our plans were scrapped. But the Priory community quickly regrouped to make all aspects of the evening, silent auction, live auction, raffle and Fund a Future switch to an online format. In just days, marketing videos were produced and sent via email to highlight special offerings in our Live Auction like Fr. Martin’s clock and trips. Past parents and alumni were invited to participate and registered for online bid paddles. Every constituent of the Priory community came together to rally for Priory by purchasing auction items and gifting our Fund a Future campaign.
Much looked very different from years past. Emails and videos replaced our auctioneer. Gift certificates were mailed. Letters replaced in person thank you’s at check-out. We conducted a masked curbside pick-up of items. We held our raffle drawing with a video and published in the weekly bulletin. Despite the extraordinary circumstances and the lack of an in person gathering, some things remained the same. The spirit and strength of the Priory Community remained steadfast. Our Fund a Future coffers were filled to support those in our community who needed it most. We innovated allowing for supporters to support without being present. And– just as in nature, our On A Safari Gala migrated and truly became the survival of the fittest.
GALA