ASP Celebrates “La Belle Époque” More than 350 ASP parents and friends are expected April 13 to celebrate under the sheered satin ceilings at the elegant Le Pré Catelan located inside Paris’ famed Bois de Boulogne during ASP’s second ever Gala. The evening’s theme is La Belle Époque, and guests will be treated to the sounds and images of late nineteenth and early twentieth century France while they help support the school’s Excellence Fund in the live, silent and online auctions that accompany the event. For months, parents, faculty and administrators have combined efforts to build a mesmerizing night that will bring to life a slice of an era that straddled two centuries. Upon entering the venue, guests will be greeted by jazz music and free-flowing open bars offering this country’s best champagnes and cocktails. The evening will be topped by a full-course dinner after which a live auction will follow. Capping the chic night will be dancing to a D.J.’s formidable list of tunes from varied musical genres. As one of the year’s key fundraising efforts, the Gala includes an online auction in the days leading to the event which features services donated by faculty and parents and designer goods from corporate sponsors. These range from historical walking tours, world cuisine classes, themed parties, and products from leading cosmetic and fashion houses to raffles to be “Director for a day”. Also on tap on the night of the event will be a live auction featuring unique items such as a chef cook-off with Head of School Mark Ulfers and Board President Lis Seeley; vacation home stays in Provence, Costa Del Sol, and Greece; guided tours of a French wine region; and other unique food, wine, travel, sport, and high-end product offerings. Spread throughout the event space will be silent auction items that guests will be able to bid on such as designer clothing, one-of-akind pieces of art, and extraordinary culinary experiences. Each year, generous school community donations have enhanced creativity and innovation in the classroom. The Gala, while also providing an opportunity for families to mingle in a light-hearted evening of fine food and entertainment, offers the school-wide community an additional method of supporting ASP initiatives. Gala co-chairs Tania Ayoub and Kristen Burd, alongside honorary co-chairs the U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Rivkin and wife Susan Tolson, invite everyone in the ASP community to participate. Individual tickets start at €200. Attendees are welcomed to support the Gala at additional amounts that range from €400 for a Baron Patron and €800 for a Marquis Patron. Soirée Sponsors who contribute €3,000 are eligible for two tickets. To help set the mood, guests are encouraged, but not required, to add embellishments to their evening attire reflective of the Belle Epoque era, such as a top hat, feather boa, or elbow-length gloves. 21
“This is the event of our school calendar thanks to the hard work of more than 60 volunteers,” says Lara Tilley, ASP’s Director of Advancement. “We ask everyone in the school community to help support the Gala in some form, whether it is placing a bid in the online auction or purchasing a ticket. We promise everyone who attends this year another memorable and magical night.” For more information on how to purchase tickets, please log on to www.asparis.org and click on the “Our Community” tab.