The scent of fresh lime and the rustle of lush emerald fronds transported more than 200 guests to a private island paradise on April 24 for “An Evening Under the Palms.” The Riviera Ridge School’s signature spring gala proved to be a masterclass in tropical sophistication, turning a night of celebration into a massive victory for the school, raising over $400,000.
The star of the cocktail hour was the “Shake Your Palm Palms,” a bespoke, hand-shaken cocktail that set a playful yet refined tone for the night. As the sun set, the crowd, dressed in chic tropical colors and breezy linens, moved into a ballroom that felt more like a hidden sanctuary than a school fundraiser.
The air was electric as live bidding began, with a flurry of eager bidders vying for the chance to spend a week in a 300-year-old stone farmhouse nestled in a Tuscan oasis. One of the evening’s most coveted luxury items was a fully catered day at the Coral Casino Ty Warner Cabana, igniting a fierce yet friendly bidding war and eventually fetching a premium to support the school’s mission. The continually popular “Head of School for a Day” experience, which saw record-breaking enthusiasm from parents eager to give their children a leadership legacy.
Every dollar raised fueled the school’s commitment to nurturing “compassionate, engaged, and curious learners.”
“Tonight was about the roots we are planting for the next generation,” said Katrina Sprague, director of development and community engagement. “The energy in this room, the ‘Shake Your Palm Palms’ spirit, proves that when our community comes together, we can create something truly transformative for our students.”
As the final notes of music faded and the tropical decor was packed away, the legacy of the evening remained clear: An Evening Under the Palms wasn’t just a party, it was a powerful investment in the future.
About The Riviera Ridge School
The Riviera Ridge School provides a student-centered, academically vigorous, and social-emotional learning environment for students in Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade.
For more information about The Riviera Ridge School, email info@rivieraridge.org or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.