The Riviera Ridge School’s recent sold-out gala fundraiser surpassed its $200,000 goal when more than 250 guests gathered at the Rosewood Miramar for the event.

Reflecting the evening’s theme of Bloom, there were floral centerpieces on each table, and whimsical six-foot tall paper mache flowers filled the room.

The gala was organized by the school’s development department, led by Katrina Sprague and Mari Eickmeier and gala chairs Ivana Firestone, Analise Maggio, Alexandra Ramirez, and emcee Andrew Firestone, along with a team of volunteers.

During the live bidding and paddle raise, Andrew Firestone offered up such items as a week at an Italian Villa; a painting by Jill Vaccaro; and school-oriented perks, including VIP parking and the chance to have your child become head of school for the day.

“The field of education never stops growing and improving as we learn how to serve our students and families,” said Chris Broderick, the real head of school.

“With record enrollment heading into the next school year, it is indeed our joy and our passion to watch our students take root at our school and bloom into the best versions of themselves,” Broderick said.

“This year’s gala is about coming together to honor and support academic excellence and our extraordinary Riviera Ridge faculty while celebrating the healthy and nurturing community of students and families that choose our school to grow and flourish,” he said.

The event featured the debut of a new community video honoring the school’s ideology of “Small Steps to Big Futures;” a gourmet dinner; and dancing to the sounds of DJ Gavin Roy.

All event proceeds will support the professional services and development of the Riviera Ridge faculty and the expansion of the Riviera Ridge signature programs for students, such as Kaleidoscope, a world religions and service learning program; and ExSEL (Excellence in Social and Emotional Learning), a social-emotional and wellness program provided by Riviera Ridge’s Student Support Team.

“We are so excited to be able to utilize these funds for our amazing faculty,” said Katrina Sprague, director of development and community engagement.

“Our faculty and staff contribute to the success and well-being of our students and the entire school. Their leadership, guidance, support and professionalism create such a positive environment at Riviera Ridge,” she said.

For more about Riviera Ridge, email info@rivieraridge.org or call 805-569-1811 ext. 131.