What a night! And what a community!
April 4, 2024 marked Watershed's first fundraising gala since 2019. With more than 150 people in attendance and over $219,000 raised ($119,000 that night plus receipt of a $100,000 gala matching gift challenge), this was Watershed's largest and most successful gala so far! The gala has brought us to more than $5.3 million dollars raised toward the needed $6 million for the new campus!
The event, held at Boulder’s JCC, began with drinks and appetizers in the vaulted foyer, bathed in early evening sunlight. Upon entering Levin Hall, guests were treated to a scrumptious buffet prepared by Blackbelly.
After brief welcome remarks by Tim Breen, Head of School, that celebrated the community, our school’s 20th anniversary year, and Watershed’s new campus on Spine Rd. in Boulder, the auctioneer took the stage. Halie Behr, our talented and energetic auctioneer for the evening warmed up the crowd with a fun game of Heads or Tails (Tim Breen rode the prize- a Trek e-bike, around the room to generate even more excitement). The event’s auction items, including an Alaskan bear camp and Vancouver Island escape, played well with the crowd as they emphasized experiences of adventure and wonder; inquiry and community.
Guests took a short break after the live auction to watch the gala film produced by the talented father-son duo, Ben Sisenwein ‘24 and Jon Sisenwein P’24, ‘26 (drone footage taken by alum Everest Finn ‘23). You can watch this celebratory video of Watershed’s past, present, and future here.
With the crowd solidly behind her, auctioneer Halie Behr dove into the final push of the evening- a paddle raise to round out support for the new campus. Halie drove home the importance and impact of each and every gift that night, from $25 to $10,000, on Watershed’s permanent home.
The crowd left Levin Hall that evening feeling energized by and grateful for Watershed School and the Watershed Community.
The support for Watershed's new campus is humbling. Thank you to the Watershed community for attending events, for financial support, and for the contribution of hours and hours of valuable volunteer time. It is only through full-community participation that we are where we are today- embarking on this new adventure to a permanent home with amazing staff, students, alumni, parents, and friends of the school.
Check out all of the amazing gala photos taken by Caroline Colvin.
