On March 2nd, over 150 parents, trustees, alumni and friends gathered on The Gunston School’s campus to support the school’s largest fundraiser—the annual soiree. The theme this year was “Island Fever.” Upon arrival, guests were greeted by Washington College student volunteers who presented them with leis and passports as they proceeded through customs and into the field house where tropical food, décor, drinks and music welcomed them into an island paradise.

Guests stayed busy throughout the evening bidding silently and were only distracted momentarily to play a game of “Heads & Hula.” The proud winner was Jan Mattingly, who was awarded an iPad Mini, generously donated by The Digital Architects. The live auction closed the evening, but as is tradition, was interrupted midway through for “Stop the Auction.” Headmaster John Lewis announced that this year’s theme was Classroom Technology, and generous donations were made towards supporting the proposed upgrades. All in all, the evening was a huge success and the money raised went towards supporting student programs. John Lewis commented, “The generosity of our parents and friends is truly extraordinary, and this generosity translates directly into a stronger educational program for all of our students.”

Local businesses were key to the success of this auction. Over 200 businesses, community members, and families from throughout the Eastern Shore and Annapolis donated items, purchased ads, and made financial contributions to this year’s fundraising event.

Gunston would like to extend a special thanks to Honorary Sponsor Freestate and Son Insurance, the Gunston Parents’ Association, Gunston faculty, staff and parents, and the 2013 Auction Committee, Jill Meyerhoff, Anna Fichtner and Mara Schmittinger who worked tirelessly to create a spectacular evening.

In photo:  Gunston Spanish Teacher & IT Coordinator Juan Angarita and Mathematics Teacher Weixing Shepardson catching “Island Fever”