SHAWNIGAN SPIRIT GALA 2008

The 3rd SLS Spirit Gala was held Saturday, February 16th at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. The Gala was a terrific time for current parents, alumni and friends to connect at a classy social occasion. More than 250 guests had signed up for the great evening of dinner, live and silent auctions and dancing. Although the over-riding purpose was fun and friend-raising, a great deal of time and effort went into gathering some excellent items and experiences for auction. The revenue is still being tallied but all indications are that bidders were most generous, and in certain cases exuberant, as with one board member who mistakenly bid against himself for some very fine scotch.
One ‘priceless’ experience on the auction block, the chance to be ‘Headmaster for a Day’, generated spirited and aggressive bidding. The auctioneer for this particular item was none other than the Headmaster himself. Mr. Robertson started the bidding at the most modest and self-deprecating price of $20. That, however, quickly escalated into a final bid 250 times the humble open! Debby Tonn won Mr. Robertson’s role for daughter Madison. It is enthusiastically hoped that Madison will exercise her newfound powers to grant students (and please, do not forget staff!) a half-day holiday.
Money raised at the Gala is earmarked for three causes: the Spirit Gala Bursary to help a student of great spirit and character to come to, or remain at Shawnigan regardless of financial resources. The new Sportsplex is also a recipient of funds raised at the Gala, and money will be directed to the Graham Anderson Scholarship Endowment in honour of Mr. Anderson’s dedication to Shawnigan and teaching. Graham’s half-century of service was celebrated at the Gala with tributes by the Headmaster, John McIntyre ‘60, a video and well-deserved standing ovation.
A successful evening such as the Gala could not have happened without terrific volunteers and patient co-ordination under the direction of Matthuw Ronald-Jones. The Gala Committee put in hundreds of hours of time, energy and expertise. They were assisted by a band of dedicated, mostly parent volunteers who slaved away on the set-up and seeing that all went smoothly. A big thanks and hats off to our Gala Committee, volunteers, auctioneer Cam Drew and not least—to all our generous donors for their auction items—and spirited bidding!