Friends, Families, Faculty, and Spring Street Board Members,
Over four decades ago, I left New York City and have since lived in several small towns and a few big cities. Still, when I get asked where I am from, I say NYC. And yet, whenever I leave the San Juans for more than a few days, when the ferry pulls into the dock, I consciously look upwards and see the Friday Harbor sign and I breathe deeply and relax because I know that I am finally home.
And what a wonderful home we have. Most of us don’t lock our doors and many of us couldn’t because we don’t have keys and how would our neighbors come in if they needed something? If our kids speed in town, we know someone will say something to them. If we leave half of our order at the food hub, there is a good chance someone will drop it off at our front door. And if one of us falls ill, we know someone will start a group to bring meals over.
We come to the San Juans for many different reasons. I venture to say that we stay for the sense of community that defines us.
We depend on our neighbors. We depend on each other. And we bump into each other often, even if we don’t want to. We cannot escape community.
I am especially excited to welcome all of you here this evening because, like most of you, I feel like we lost some of our sense of community during Covid. Not all of it, but we are not immune to the centrifugal forces that are pulling so many apart even as we long for centripetal forces that bring us together.
I believe in ripples. Small drops that create concentric circles that spread out slowly and grow bigger. I believe we rebuild and deepen the bonds that connect us by coming together in small ways as we are doing tonight. I believe our differences are small compared to the beliefs we share in common. And as we lean into creating moments like these together, our sense of our Spring Street School community and our San Juan Islands community will grow richer and stronger.
Thank you for coming tonight and pausing in your busy lives to connect as a school community and support our island kids to grow into the kind, caring, and engaged next generation of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, philosophers, scientists, electricians, professors, builders, humanitarians, and mathematicians of tomorrow.
LOUIS PRUSSACK
Head of School
5:00 DOORS OPEN
REGISTRATION
SILENT AUCTION OPENS COCKTAILS
PURCHASE GOLDEN TICKET
(available until 6:15 or until sold out - only 25 sold)
6:15 SILENT AUCTION CLOSES
TAKE SEATS FOR DINNER
7:00 PROGRAM BEGINS
MUSIC
GOLDEN TICKET WINNER DRAWN
STUDENT SPEAKERS
FUND-A-NEED
DESSERT DASH LIVE AUCTION
9:00 CHECK-OUT OPENS
The first 25 people to purchase a $100 Golden Ticket will receive a golden ticket with a number between 1 and 25. Prior to the live auction beginning, one number will be drawn randomly, and the lucky winner will have their choice of Live Auction items (Live Item #8, Art Quilt exempted from the pick).
The Dessert dash is a table full of beautiful desserts. Each bidder can choose to participate by writing in an amount of their choice on the Dessert Dash bid sheet on the table. Each table will compete against other tables for the highest collective bid. The table that bids the highest gets to dash to the dessert table first for their favorite dessert. You have to move fast because table numbers are called quickly in the order of highest to lowest bid. (That is where the dashing comes in!)
Tonight’s Fund-A-Need will go towards raising funds for need based student scholarships. Each year, Spring Street International School gives out about $700,000 in tuition assistance. What we have raised so far tonight goes to help underwrite these scholarships. Now is the moment when we ask you to raise your paddle and further help support our scholarship program. You won’t get symphony tickets or a catered dinner for raising your paddle. But you will get the joy of knowing your donation helps make a Spring Street education possible.
Spring is the perfect time to buff and polish your gravel driveway taming potholes and pitfalls. Do you want a driveway your friends will envy? Of course you do. Well, your driveway doldrums are over. Mike Carlson Enterprises has donated one dump truck load, which is approximately 15 tons or 12 yards, of crushed rock!
Delivery limited to San Juan Island. Expires 5/31/2025
DONATEDBY
MIKE CARLSON ENTERPRISES, INC.
Have you always wanted to visit the Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, or go kayaking or whale watching, but never made the time? Now is your chance to live like you’re on vacation for a day! This San Juan Island package gives you the opportunity to relax into our beautiful island, with an overnight stay at the Quarryman Hall Suite at Roche Harbor, dinner at McMillin’s Dining Room, and an outdoor adventure for two with San Juan Safaris - you choose between either a classic whale watching tour or a 3-hour kayak tour. And wait, there’s more! An extra special addition to this package includes a private and personal tour for four, from Lucie and the Kusner family of the alpaca farm on San Juan Island. Learn how to hand feed the alpacas and how the fiber is processed and used to create amazing textiles. Additionally, walk away tonight with a cozy checkered farmhouse throw made with Krystal Acre’s very own fiber and USA grown wool. A great package to offer visiting friends or family or if you need a mini-escape!
Roche Harbor certificate expires 6/1/2025
This home decor package includes a Barrel Cactus and a beautiful outdoor potted floral arrangement from Bloomsterpotte. The brilliant Mexican Fire Barrel Cactus is approximately 12” x 12” and will grow approximately 3-5’ high and 12” wide. The cactus has red spines, is cold hardy to 10 degrees F, looks great in a pot and has a stunning orange-red flower in the summer. It was hand-selected for this auction and driven here from Tucson by trustee David & Renee. This package also includes a stunning potted arrangement from Spring Street parent, Anna Compton (owner of Bloomsterpotte). Enjoy watching this floral arrangement grow and evolve all summer, adding interest and beauty to your front porch or outdoor space. For maximum enjoyment, position in a sunny location and water regularly!
DONATED BY DAVID BLEDSOE & RENEE GIOVARELLI & BLOOMSTERPOTTEIndulge in a musical getaway to Seattle! This package includes two round-trip tickets between the San Juan Islands and Seattle on either a seaplane or wheeled plane with Kenmore Air. Additionally, you will receive two premium tickets to one performance at Seattle Chamber Music Society’s 2024 Summer Festival (from July 1st - 26th) and a one-night stay at the Sheraton Grand on 6th Avenue in downtown Seattle. Your city escape awaits!
Kenmore Air expires 5/31/2025, Seattle Chamber Music Society valid July 1-26, 2024, Sheraton expires 5/11/2025
Get your blood pumping and enjoy an exhilarating mini wellness retreat overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. This package includes a 1940s salmon shack renovated into a beautiful sauna, located on a private beach off of Pear Point. The sauna, custom built by Spring Street parent Sean Wilson, can accommodate up to 6 people and is an excellent way to sweat out toxins and rejuvenate your spirit. Additionally, experience a transformative cold water immersion with breath work instructors, Natalie King - trained with Wim Hof himself - and Sharalyn Lehman. With their guidance, you will learn the 3 pillars of the Wim Hof Method: Breathing Technique, Cold Exposure & Visualization. Finally, this wellness retreat includes detox green drinks provided by Juels of Salmonberry Catering. Invite your friends to join you in this unique and cleansing mini wellness retreat!
DONATED BY SEAN WILSON & MICHAELA VALKOVA NATALIE KING & SHARALYN LEHMANSALMONBERRY
CATERING
Auntie Hilary loves Spring Street International School, where her niece and niblings attended in years-past...so up for bid tonight is the opportunity to have your pick of the 2024 schedule of Seahawks home games. The lucky bidder will have two prime seats located in Section 132, Row BB where you can cheer on Geno Smith and the rest of our Seahawks. These seats are amazing! Limited to the 2024 season and the winner will be able to choose their game right after the auction. (*Winner will have second pick of games, as one home game is already spoken for by another party.)
DONATED BY HILARY HARTEREnjoy an incredible getaway or a staycation on beautiful Orcas Island. This package includes a $250 gift certificate to dine at Inn at Ship Bay, a $100 gift certificate to dine at Outlook Inn, and a $75 gift certificate to enjoy fresh shellfish from Buck Bay Shellfish Farm. And last but definitely not least, enjoy 4 days and 3 nights in a private guest house on Orcas Island. Located on Dolphin Bay, this is a quiet and serene location fit for all seasons. The newly renovated house sleeps a family of four comfortably. It includes a full kitchen, huge deck, BBQ, and high-speed internet. There is a mile of private trails, and access to the water for kayaking. This is a perfect getaway or a gift for friends!
Designed, stitched, and dyed by Kate Small and her dad.
DONATED BY KATE SMALL
Celebrate and savor an Italian dinner for eight, served in your home (or at another location of your choice on San Juan Island), featuring multi-course small plate entrees crafted with local, seasonal fare. Each course will be paired with wine selected to enhance flavors and your culinary experience. This gorgeous meal will be prepared by Chef Tim Barrette of Market Chef, and Spring Street board member John Moalli. In addition, this package includes a new and fun element, which is to add an elegant country-chic touch to your event! San Juan Shindigs’ horse trailer bar, named “Lucky” is a creative centerpiece to any party, from a service station, to a cocktail bar, or a ticket booth, Lucky can be transformed to make your party experience complete. Don’t miss this opportunity for a memorable meal and experience with your family and/or friends! LIVE ITEM #9
“Lucky” is available for one 24-hour period (9am to 9am) after Labor Day Weekend through the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend San Juan Island only, no drinkware included.
DONATED BY TIM BARRETTE & JOHN MOALLI & SAN JUAN SHINDIGS
“How can stones tell stories about our lives? If you fit within these stones, where would you be? Where would you sit? Where would you walk?” These are questions pondered by Tom Small, a renowned island sculptor with an outdoor summer exhibit at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. In this artist package, you will receive an exclusive installation tour for up to 8 guests with artist Tom Small, between June 22 and July 3, 2024. Treats and drinks will be served. Lastly, you will take home a beautiful piece of his work TONIGHT: a polished bowl revealed from a stone that Tom found in the Nooksack River, at the foot of the Sisters Mountains. It’s rare to find a perfect piece of olivine, and when a rock calls out to him, Tom listens.
Stan The Wine Man is known for finding excellent values in wine and passing it on to his customers. Stan’s goal has always been to take the “snob” out of wine by making people comfortable with their own palate preferences. He believes that wine is an individual sport and the only thing that should matter to you is what you like. However, Stan also encourages everyone to experiment and never allow your taste in wine to become static. Join Stan The Wine Man for a private tasting for up to 10 people. This experience includes excellent wine and is fun and educational! Additionally, walk home TONIGHT with four bottles of various red wines from Sparkman Cellars’ Ring of Fire Wine Club, thanks to Kristi Jones. Sparkman Cellars makes artisan handcrafted, award-winning Washington wines that are highly sought after.
LIVE ITEM #12
Four fancy hens from Princess Pullet Farms, and one full day of expert chicken coop construction by Louis Prussack and Steve Gutman, according to the design of your choice. Need help planning your egg palace? Chicken Coops for Dummies is in the basket, along with a dainty, handmade egg collecting apron, and fresh organic eggs.
Coop must be completed and secure, prior to chicken delivery, materials not included.
DONATED BY
LOUIS PRUSSACK, STEVE GUTMAN, & KATE SMALLDon’t know what to read next? With this book basket, your reading list is taken care of for the foreseeable future! You will walk out tonight with a basket filled with over 20 books, each personally recommended by a faculty member at Spring Street International School.
LIVE ITEM #14
Need a ride to another island or looking for somewhere to explore this summer? This Salish Sea experience with Nige Oswald, includes a 3-hour round trip water taxi on a 24’ custom semi foiling powerboat for up to 5 people. This 3-hour round trip water taxi expires at the end 2024, so it is a perfect opportunity to elevate your summer plans!
DONATEDBY
NIGE OSWALD
Alchemy Art Center
Andah Foundation
Harry & Victoria Anderson
Martha Alvarado & Reyes Rodriguez
Chase Anderson
Archipelago Wines
Bakery San Juan
Banner Bank
Barn Owl Bakery
Tim Barrette & Laurie Paul
Nancy Best
Urgen Bhutia
Sam Blackman & Julie McNeill
Blacktail Bass & Beef
David Bledsoe & Renee Giovarelli
Eirene Blomberg
Bloomsterpotte
Tess Bryant
Buck Bay Shellfish Farm
Cynthia Burke
Karen Carter
Bruce Clark
Compass Wines
Anna & Chris Compton
Val Curtis
Kate Curtis
Cady Davies
Megan Dethier & David Duggins
Forrest Dick
Kathleen Dickinson
Eleanor Doran
Jacob Dubail
Peter Duggins
Mariah Dunning
Jennifer Edington
Paul & Mary Elliott
Katie Foster
Alywin Fruge
Jenn & Luke Furber
Kimberly Garner
Teri Gentry
Michael Gladstein
James Goetz
Adam Greene & Sarah Pope
Brian & Rachel Goodremont
Griffin Bay Bookstore
Christina & Jamie Grifo
Steve Gutmann
Hilary Harter
Heritage Bank
Beth Hetrick
Maggie Hollingsworth
Neil & Samantha Holloway
Peg & Ted Hope
Julie & Eric Hopper
Jennifer & Mike Horn
Libbey Howard
Verne Howard
Inspired Earth Teas
Islam Family Foundation
Islanders Insurance
Island Thyme
Dureen & Kimberly Jayaram
Kristi Jones
Julie’s Nursery
Kenmore Air
Grace Dee King
Natalie King
Kings Market
Delaney & Lucas Kreger-Stickles
Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm
Jon Kusner & Anne Brahic
Audrey & Dean Kuzara
Jeanine Larson
Penny LeGate
Sharalyn Lehman
Thomas Ludwig
Amy Lyndon
John Magee
Angela & Christopher Maguire
Celia Marquis
Brooke Melville
Mike Carlson Enterprises, Inc
Rita Miller
Allison & John Moalli
Jeanne Morris
Dr. M Patricia Morse
Kara Navradszky
Robert & Carolyn Norman
Junko Ohta
Nigel Oswald
Stephanie Johnson O’Day, PLLC
Helene Paul
Rebecca & Robert Pohlad
Betsy & Chris Pope
Sarah Pope & Adam Greene
Louis Prussack
Roche Harbor Resort
Francie Rutherford
Salmonberry Catering
Salty At Heart Apothecary
San Juan Golf and Tennis Club
San Juan Island Brewing Company
San Juan Island Community Foundation
San Juan Island Excavating
San Juan Islands Museum Of Art
San Juan Safaris
San Juan Shindigs
Sandstrom Law
Tonia & Mike Schemmel
Seattle Chamber Music Society
Phil Shephard & Angie Freeman Shephard
Sheraton Grand Seattle
Emmett Sherwood
Charlie & Cammie Sink
Kate Small
Tom Small
Annette Smith
Snug Harbor Resort
Reyes Rodriguez
Matt & Merci Sommer
Jacob Spinak
Naomi Spinak
Stan the Wine Man
Jerry St Dennis
Leah Swearingen
Jane Talbot
Kristina Tall
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Loyal Bigelow & Jedediah Dewey Foundation
The Studio
Carol Thompson
Michaela & Jeff Traynor
Kristin & Todd Twigg
UW Friday Harbor Labs
Valmark
Village Inn at Eastsound
David Waldron
Marina West
Susan West
Deborah & Stephen White
Ellen Wilcox & Pete Lane
Sean Wilson & Michaela Valkova-Wilson
Windermere Real Estate, Orcas Island, Inc.
Jennifer Winter & Renee Lamphere
Georgette Wong & Charles Beadnall
We do our best to track all donors each school year and send our heartfelt apologies if we missed your name.
