King School’s biennial gala returned to campus this year with invigorating energy after an extended pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The glass ceiling tent was filled with cheer, laughter, and the sound of clinking glasses as over 350 guests gathered for the event which took place on Saturday, April 23, on the King School campus.
Head of School Carol Maoz kicked off the evening. “Tonight, we celebrate our community, and we celebrate the ability to gather in person on this beautiful campus – something we no longer take for granted!”
Ticket sales, live and silent auctions, as well as individual donations, resulted in $581,000 raised. The gala’s proceeds will be allocated to financial access, making a King School education affordable for families from a wide range of economic backgrounds.
“Your generosity helps us do what we do – to prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It allows us to deliver that mission to deserving students who greatly enrich our community,” Maoz said.
With standing ovations, the community recognized the night’s honorees, Mary and Rob Holtz P’16, ’19, ’22, and the legacy award winner, Tom Conheneey P’15, ’15, ’18 for their continued dedication to King School.
“Giving to King is not just about giving back to a community that has given so much to our family. It’s about ensuring that current and future generations of students benefit from the kind of education only King School can provide,” said Conheeney.
“It’s about providing our faculty, the backbone of our school, with the spaces and resources they need to teach in innovative, relevant, and creative ways. Giving to King is about ensuring the long-term sustainability and legacy of our school,” he added. Conheeney has actively served on the Board of Trustees since 2005 and was the Board Chair from 2015 to 2018.
The Holtz family joined the King community when their first son, Tyler, began the PreK program in 2002. “Over the last twenty years, we have seen many changes to the physical campus at King. But one thing continues to endure – it’s the reason why my family considers King just as much of a home to us as any other place in the world – our amazing and wonderful community,” said Holtz.
“As we look out at all of you tonight we see so many people who are very special to us and who have impacted our lives and the lives of our children in so many positive ways,” he added.
The night was a tremendous success, culminating with mingling, dancing, dining, and generous giving. Photos and a highlight reel of the event are available to view online.
