Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Gala History

Five years ago Scott Hayman and Seth Popinchalk conceived of having a
community-building dinner-dance fundraiser.  Linda Wyatt and Lee Bona joined them as the steering committee. The rest is history. 

The current chefs have prepared the food for more than one GALA.  Jay, David, and Linda have been chefs since the first GALA.  Sue and Bob Shaw have been the kitchen coordinators since then, too. Some of the youth like Alana Wyatt, Maddie Hayman, and Will  Hayman have been waitstaff over the same period.  Seth and  Scott have assisted since its inception.

The chefs donate their time and money to prepare gourmet meals.  They've learned to coordinate their efforts in a small kitchen.  Culinary choreography!

Each year, Linda Wyatt, the chairperson, imagines a theme and then makes or finds decorations to develop the theme.  Many times our Wiogora Harry Potter-based summer campers help make them.

The attendees are mesmerized by the transformation of the Bancroft Room and Dining Room into a magical place.  Volunteers, including Abby Hannaford-Ricardi and Diane Mandile create the enchanting atmosphere.  Kate O'Dell and Lee Bona have become experts at arranging and setting the tables.

The band and singer-songwriter, Lydia Fortune, ensure fun music for dancing.  Sometimes the youth contribute a few vocals, too.


The GALA comes alive through the attendees.  All are welcome so don't be shy to attend-come by yourself or with friends. Each table always has welcoming guests.  A great time to make new friends!  

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