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