Dear Portledge Community,

Spring is in the air! And with Spring, comes our premiere fundraising event, the annual Portledge Benefit Gala. Each year, I am humbled by the generosity and outpouring of support by the entire Portledge community.

This highly anticipated event not only serves as an opportunity for our community to gather and celebrate with one another, but the revenue generated this evening directly benefits the student experience. Portledge students benefit from an educational experience that inspires creativity, self-expression, and academic excellence. This is made possible by our tremendous team of teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to ensure that the Portledge student is well-rounded and prepared for life beyond our beautiful campus.

This year, the Portledge Benefit Gala honors current Board chair and alumni parent, Maryellen “Mel” Mooney for her lifelong commitment to Portledge.

Mel goes above and beyond the role of a typical Board chair. She is truly one of our most dedicated champions. As an active member of the Parents Association for fifteen years and a devoted member of the Board of Trustees since 2016, Mel's commitment to the Portledge mission is unparalleled. She has made it her singular goal to enhance the Portledge experience for our entire community and see that we remain a premier independent school in New York.

Beyond her time on the Board, Mel volunteered to be a class parent when her twins, Olivia ‘21and Quentin ‘21, were in third grade, which began her legacy of volunteering at Portledge. Class parent turned into Parents Association Vice President, and then President, Chair of the Annual Fund, Member, Secretary, and finally, President of the Board of Trustees. In all these roles, Mel has always understood that curiosity, integrity, and strength of character are at the core of who we are at Portledge. I personally, am forever grateful to Mel for her leadership through the COVID pandemic and the capital campaign for the Athletic & Wellness Center.

Of course, tonight could not happen without the dedication and boundless energy of our Benefit Committee, headed by Kim Leonard. Kim worked alongside our Development Team of Tara Askeland, Rachel Reeves, Jane Zisa, and Vincent Catapano as well as the entire Gala Committee (Lindsey Barnett, Jill Drucker, Emily Wachtel, Angela Vaynman, Mona Sanveren, Dina Argyris, Franki Doshi, Jessica Chitty, Vera Jain, Sally Barerra, Angelica Van Pelt '06, Jennifer Jones, Melissa Reale, Christina Meyer, Amy Feldstein, and Christina Potter). This evening does not just happen magically - it requires a lot of planning, time, effort, and even some cajoling, so my sincere thank you!

Ultimately, the success of this evening lies with you - the Portledge community. Regardless of your role, your presence here tonight already speaks volumes about your commitment to helping make Portledge the best it can be.

I hope you all dance in the camaraderie of this evening and enjoy a night out together in honor of Portledge and our fearless leader, Mel Mooney!

With gratitude,

Simon Owen-Williams