The Royal Pride Foundation (RPF) surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal at The Royal Garden Party benefit for San Marcos High School.
Attended by some 250 supporters, the sold-out event featured emcee Andrew Firestone, high school musicians, motivational speeches, award recipients, dinner, dancing, live auction, and a paddle raise.
The community gala was attended by alumni, parents, teachers, coaches, administrative staff, and friends, who were greeted with a sparkling beverage and student musicians playing violin and piano.
The evening continued with a sit-down dinner; wine donated by Kunin Wines; a performance from recent Teen Star winner Naomi Jane Voig, a sophomore at SMHS; motivational speeches from SMHS Principal Dare Holdren; and Julie Strand, RPF president; as well as awards to the honorees.
“Our number one goal for this event is to raise much needed funds for San Marcos High School,” said Dani Macaluso, volunteer co-chair of the Royal Garden Party and RPF Board member.
“We are thrilled to report that all of the committee’s efforts paid off and we exceeded our goal of raising $100,000,” Macaluso said. “These funds will go right back into improving the school through teacher grants and supporting campus upgrades.”
Th event is RPF’s largest fundraiser, and it allows the foundation to honor key community members and supporters. This year RPF presented the Forever Royal Award to 1977 SMHS alumna Jody Dolan Holehouse and her late husband, Tom Holehouse.
“Jody and Tom were founding families of RPF, raised their two daughters both graduates of SMHS, and have continued to support SMHS financially all of these years becoming one of RPF’s most generous individual lifetime donors to date,” the foundation said.
A surprise award was given to RPF’s board president Julie Strand. Strand was the inaugural recipient of the Royal Pride Inspiration Award for her dedication, enthusiasm and vision in helping to build a strong foundation and inspiring others to join her in supporting SMHS.
“As a public school, we serve all kids from our community, and Santa Barbara has a large population of struggling families who especially need our support,” said Holdren.
“Regardless of financial status, our goal is to provide an excellent educational experience for every one of our students and set them up for success after high school,” Holdren said. “The Royal Pride Foundation helps us to do this and that is why the benefit is so important.”
RPF offers its appreciation to the table and business sponsors, in-kind donors who contributed everything from silent auction items to live auctions items, and all the student and parent volunteers.
Founded in 2013, the Royal Pride Foundation brings the community together to raise money and support programs for San Marcos High School.
RPF has invested more than $4 million in SMHS since its inception.
“Our vision is to create a school where every student and staff member feels supported and has the tools to succeed,” the foundation said.
RPF is a 501(c)(3) organization; all donations are tax deductible. www.royalpridefoundation.org.