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15B U L L I S M A G A Z I N E
Success on
Safari . . .
Gala 2008
By LYNN MAKRIS, EVENTS COORDINATOR
F
rom the outset, this year’s Gala co-chairs Lauri Zell and Franny
Rock invited the Bullis community to “join the adventure.” And
they did! Lauri and Franny assembled a team of over 80 parent
volunteers to present one of the school’s most extraordinary evenings.
Guests enjoyed the beat of African drums during the pre-dinner show,
which culminated in an entertaining visit from an African spirit walker,
accompanied by traditional African dancers. Surrounded by an African
sunset replete with safari animals hand-painted by a group of talented
Bullis parents, over 400 guests, including 100 sponsored faculty and
staff, joined in the evening’s silent auction, dinner and live auction. At-
tendees had the opportunity to bid on an array of wonderful items from
personalized outings and events with Bullis faculty and staff, to tickets
to sporting events and the arts, unique opportunities such as a day at
Fashion Week in New York, a walk-on role in a film and a personalized
African safari.
Bullis extends a deep appreciation for the generosity of 440 do-
nors and 180 sponsors, including nearly 90 grandparent “Love Note”
writers and 74 advertisers for their contributions. With their support
and that of our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and
friends, “Bullis on Safari . . . Gala 2008” raised $408,108 to fund the
Financial Aid and Faculty Professional Development Programs. This
year, guests were asked to “Raise the Paddle” to accelerate the Smart
Classroom Technology Project by equipping classrooms with ceiling-
mounted wireless LCD projectors, tablet laptop computers for use by
teachers and large projection screens to be placed in classrooms. The
goal was to raise $40,000 to equip ten classrooms. However, when
the auctioneer asked if we had any “heroes” in the audience who
would like to donate more than $4,000, she immediately received
two $5,000 donations and one amazing $10,000 donation, which
helped put the total “Raise the Paddle” revenues to $55,450. Needless
to say, the Bullis technology department will have a busy summer pre-
paring many more “smart” classrooms for the coming years.
Thank you to all who donated their time, talents and relationships,
especially our Gala co-chairs and their families, to support Bullis and
strengthen its community. It truly was an amazing adventure!
FF