The guest's at this year's gala for Highland School were treated to quite an event.  The theme was tied in with James Bond and was entitled "A Night To Bond".  The ambiance, layout, and A/V were outstanding.  This fall's event is on the heels of it's annual event that was held in April of 2009, but the organizers desperately wanted to move the event back to the fall, so they held another gala only 6 months later.  Since the events were in such close proximity of each other this event was scaled back somewhat with a smaller silent auction and fewer than normal live auction items. 

The gym was transformed into a sheak, hip, upscale club that would do any James Bond movie proud.  Guests purchased chips to play multiple casino games and accumulate tickets for raffle drawings.  There was an outstanding array of mystery box offerings, approx. 75 of them that did all sell out.  Also a new feature this year was the "Roll the Dice for a New Car" game that drew lots of interest.  Although no one won the car, the game earned several thousand dollars for the event.

The live auction featured 17 very nice items and packages and a Raise the Paddle appeal for technology.  Many of the live auction items sold for well over value.  We had 3 of the donors in the room that night that gave second packages to the auction as a result of the first ones selling so strongly.  In total, there were 6 items that doubles were offered and sold.  Highlights of the auction were the Black Lab puppy that sold for $11,000, Super Bowl XXIV tickets realized $6500 and Head of School for the Day brought in $3800.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Raise the Paddle was held during the early part of the live auction to raise funds for improving technology throughout the entire school.  There were many generous people that night that helped push the total for the appeal well over $50,000!  This was the second time a Raise the Paddle appeal has been conducted at Highland, both being very successful.