Parkside’s 2022 “Gatsby Gala” & Spring Auction
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was this very special video message from our alumni and students to their teachers, lovingly produced by Parkside mom, Vanita Shastry.
April 6 marked our return to in-person gatherings as we celebrated our school's 35th anniversary and honored Parkside's amazing faculty at our "Gatsby Gala" at Sony Hall in midtown. It was -- as expected -- the bee's knees, indeed. From the swingin' tunes from Good Shot Judy, to the lively gaming tables, it was a night we will all remember for some time to come. Co-head of school, Leslie Thorne, said “For those of us who attended Parkside’s 35th Anniversary Gatsby Gala, the glow of the evening continues to live on in our hearts and minds. It was clear from the start that everyone attending was there with a singular vibrant purpose: to raise money to support our extraordinary staff, teachers and therapists, and to have a complete blast doing so!”
Good Shot Judy quickly got party goers up on the dance floor and kept them there throughout the evening. Attendees were able to dance away calories from the delicious passed appetizers and buffet dinner. Our very own drama teacher, Melissa Ferraro, was our Master of Ceremonies extraordinaire, adding her vivacious style to the program portion of the evening. A moving speech by alumnus Fabio Botarelli ’97 reminded us of our unwavering mission; to educate each and every one of our students, while celebrating their individuality and strengthening them in all ways possible.
This occasion, coupled with the joy of an all too rare in-person evening of fun after two extraordinarily challenging years for us all, coalesced into an evening that ranks up there with the best of them! We are eternally grateful to everyone who played a part in the success of the evening; we met our goal and raised $150,955 for our school.
We must extend our heartfelt thanks to James Lonsdale for his amazing work with the children on the beautiful artwork that was auctioned, and to the many volunteers who helped out during the evening -- Megan Arazi, Maria Barbone, Brad and Ashley Carlin, Paula Cavanaugh, Mary DiPerna, Masayo Douglas, Nareg and Marlene Kalaydjian, Sia Sotirakis, Tricia Tabora, Holly Varsalona, Patrick and Suzannah Weir, everyone who solicited and donated items for the auction and raffle, our amazing sponsors, and anyone else we may have missed -- thank you!
Finally, a round of applause is owed to Jillian Mayonove and Rachel Vannucci for seamlessly stepping in at the last minute to oversee the entire production.
To our parent and alumni community, and of course our unmatched team of teachers, therapists and staff, you are the reason Parkside has improved the lives of more than 500 children in our 35 year history, and your continued support and encouragement will ensure Parkside's success for many more years to come.
Happy Birthday, Parkside.
