Hollywood Glamour Meets Innovation at the 2025 St. Mary’s Gala
Photography Credit: SelfieXMedia
This year’s St. Mary’s Gala transported guests to the golden age of Hollywood, blending classic glamour with a bold vision for the future. Held at the VEA Hotel, the event brought together 275 parents, faculty, and community leaders for an evening of philanthropy, celebration, and a first look at the exciting campus transformations on the horizon.
A Red-Carpet Welcome & Glimpse into the Future
From the moment guests arrived, the stage was set for an unforgettable evening. A Walk of Fame-inspired entrance led into a lively cocktail reception, where they were greeted by Marilyn Monroe, sipped on a signature 'Red Carpet Cosmo' or champagne from the elegant champagne wall, posed for the 360-photo booth, grooved to the sounds of a live saxophonist, indulged in curated appetizers, and engaged in a competitive silent auction.
This year’s event also introduced the Design The Future showcase, offering an exclusive preview of St. Mary’s upcoming state-of-the-art Design Center and new Early Education Center, set to open fall 2025. A virtual reality (VR) experience gave attendees an immersive look at these innovative spaces, while a custom-lasered Hollywood star—crafted using the same technology that will soon be housed in the Design Center—served as a unique keepsake from the night.
Raising the Bar for Student Impact
As dinner was served in the ballroom, the focus shifted to the heart of the evening: supporting programs that directly shape student learning. A spirited live auction—featuring exclusive travel experiences, luxury packages, and one-of-a-kind opportunities, all generously donated by St. Mary’s families—ignited friendly bidding wars, with guests enthusiastically rallying behind the school’s mission. Thanks to the generosity of our event sponsors, families, and community members, St. Mary’s raised $402,200 through ticket sales, sponsorships, auctions, and Fund-a-Need!
The Fund-A-Need appeal centered on sustainability, an initiative designed to deepen students’ understanding of environmental responsibility and global impact. This year’s efforts will support solar panels on the new building, eco-friendly furniture in Early Education classrooms, and hands-on Service as Action projects, where students will explore their environmental impact locally and abroad. Additionally, the new Design Center will feature cutting-edge machines that can transform waste into new filament, reinforcing a commitment to innovation and sustainability in student learning. Thanks to the generosity of our community, nearly $125,000 was raised to support this initiative, providing students with real-world experience in sustainability and stewardship.
A High-Energy Finale & What’s Next
The evening closed on a high note, with guests filling the dance floor as the band Undercover Live delivered a mix of classic hits.
Looking ahead, St. Mary’s will continue the conversation on innovation and Design Thinking with its upcoming Design Conference on April 29. Open to parents and the broader Orange County community, the conference will feature leading experts across fields from medicine to education, exploring how Design Thinking shapes college and career pathways.
A Community Effort
The success of the 2025 St. Mary’s Gala was made possible by the dedication of our Gala Committee, sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Their support ensures that St. Mary’s continues to provide an innovative, future-focused education for its students.
Gala Leadership
Gala Co-Chairs: Lindsay Dickhout & Casey Brown
Committee Members: Parvaneh Carter, Polina Chebotareva-Mudrick, Sara Frasco, Jennifer Furst, Sara Harty, Maite Heydarkhan, Sarah Jebreil-Ghannadi, Jennifer Kite, Stephanie Steinhafel, and Rebecca Wong.
Event Vendors
Band: Undercover Live
Photographer: SefieXMedia
Balloons: Twist and Shout Events
Marquee Letters: Lola’s Letters
Event Props: Platinum Prop House
Flowers: Two Bloomin Friends
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Personalized Signage: Bleu Dahlia
Marilyn Monroe Impersonator and Tribute: Rachel Norris
Check-in and Auction Staff: Life Event Staffing
Auctioneer: Mike Griggs and Auctioneers for Good
For more information about St. Mary’s School, visit their website.