BASH Gala Call from the Heart to Support New STEM Science Center
More than 325 supporters of The Benjamin School donned whimsical or elegant Alice in Wonderland themed attire at the 32nd annual BASH Gala held April 16 at the glittering new ballroom at Trump National Golf Club Jupiter. The venue was truly transformed into a “Wonderland.”
Benjamin School parents Michelle and Chris Grande and Denise and John Caruso co-chaired the school's major fundraising event that featured an elegant cocktail reception, dinner, entertainment and live and silent auctions. Lynda and Jeff Jacobs served as the honorary chairs for the evening’s lavish affair. The successful Gala raised over $511,000 to support the School's operating budget.
Mrs. Grande, accompanied by her sisters Nicole Bessette and Danielle Jenkins, also Benjamin School parents, added to the evening’s excitement with the thrilling announcement of a lead gift to begin construction of a STEM Science Center on the Lower/Middle School Campus.
“The Berlin Family Foundation, joined by Benjamin School grandparents Bill and Madeline Maglio, have contributed $2.5 Million to begin making this truly one-of-a-kind facility a reality for our students,” said Head of School Bob Goldberg. “This outstanding gift to The Benjamin School already marks 75% of the total cost of construction.”
Gala attendees responded enthusiastically during the Call from the Heart effort to raise an additional $74,850 to fund furniture, fixtures and equipment for the STEM Science Center.
“Our family is committed to this new facility that will provide our youngest students high-level, experience-based learning through the use of the latest equipment and technology,” said Grande. “The STEM Center will be an amazing educational and learning space for our children where they will be inspired to take an active role in their own education. They will learn through hands-on experience, and will build a solid foundation to become the next generation of innovators and future leaders.”
Additionally contributing to the financial success of the BASH Gala were the following major corporate and individual sponsors: Charles and Susan Barker, Ambassador Al and Dawn Hoffman, The Jacobs Family Foundation for Children, Ms. Sale Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. William R. Maglio, Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Nicklaus, Steve and Krista Nicklaus, Northern Trust, Joe and Sandy O’Connor, Palm Beach Kennel Club - The Rooney Family, PNC Wealth Management, the Rosatti Family and Event Kings Palm Beach. Palm Beach Illustrated was the Gala’s exclusive magazine sponsor and Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach Gardens was the exclusive fashion and jewelry sponsor.
A special thanks is extended to the 2016 BASH Committee and to faculty and staff for their invaluable volunteer support in helping to make the evening a spectacular affair.
Main Address & Lower/Middle School
11000 Ellison Wilson RoadNorth Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.