OK, CLASS, it’s back-to-school gala time for Selwyn House, with the annual Gryphon fundraiser.
Glittering guests prove school can be fun, raise $1.4M at Gryphon Gala
Back to school … please!: After attending the recent Selwyn House Gryphon Gala, I’ve been harbouring some regrets. First, that I’m no longer of school age, and, second, that even if I were, as a female, I would regrettably not qualify as a member of the allmale student body. Why, you wonder, is this so incredibly disappointing? Simple: If attending the revered academic institution is even a tenth as much fun as partaking in its benefit gala, my academic career would have been infinitely more gratifying …! Curiosity piqued? Good! Here we go:
Reception heaven: The much-anticipated soirée began with a Champagne reception in tribute to the memory of treasured school mom/ supporter Mai Tran Nguyen. Highlights here included a minimalist glam centre bar; Mikado sushi station; assorted musical entertainment; raffle to win premium Canadiens tickets; and silent art auction.
The dinner: Next stop was dinner in the Macaulay Gym. And as anticipated, it rocked! Not only was the backdrop a sight to behold, boasting a twinkling ceiling and exquisitely festive seasonal settings, but the four-course souper, prepared exclusively for the night by Java U catering, was similarly enchanting.
The entertainment: Nothing like a little laughter to cure all that ails. And, in this instance, the crowd couldn’t help but fall madly deeply for hilarious headliner Alonzo Bodden.
The auction: In a word: Wow! Bidders like Rosemary and husband “Movie Mel” Hoppenheim went bid-wild for superluxe packages including a high-stylin’ trip to the American Music Awards. Not surprisingly, the 12 lots brought in a mind-boggling $900,000. Kudos to school headmaster Hal “Handsome” Hannnaford, who just happens — conveniently — to be one of the country’s most sought-after live auctioneers.
The moments: There were many that merit mention (including alum/NHLer Torrey Mitchell’s moving video tribute to his alma mater), but the most powerful two of the night undoubtedly belong to a mother/son team: First, Miami Heat player and Selwyn grad Joel Anthony addressed the crowd in a pre-recorded video from Miami (replete with clips from his championship games) wherein he inspired with a heartfelt description of the formidable role the school played in shaping both his career and life trajectories. (As for the shout-out from his legendary teammate LeBron James to the school’s beloved phys-ed instructor Peter Govan? Priceless). However, while Anthony certainly captivated, it was his mom, Erene Anthony’s live address — in which she expounded upon the school’s exemplary athletics and academics and unfailing support of a determined single mother and son — that left not a dry eye in the gym.
Not done yet: Of course I would be remiss if I failed to mention the talented bunch that brought the night to life. Topping the dream team were gala chair Lisa Mierins Smith, and committee members Karen Anderson, Sonia Besner, Analisa Birks, Christine Cachia, Mary Ann Cloherty, Lorna Denham, Susan Doherty, Kadira Du Mesnil, Maria Guzzo, Hal Hannaford, Sarah Ivory, Luisa Matheus, Maryse Matta, Emma McCavour, Jaime McMillan, Caroline McRae, Kate Molson, Caroline Nicol, Courtney Prieur, Angela Costa-Rizzolo, Amal Roy and Sharon Walker. I would be equally remiss if I failed to acknowledge the eve’s tally, which thanks to lead sponsors including Celebrations’ Sylvie and Allan Vosco, Maria and Vince Guzzo, France Chrétien Desmarais and André Desmarais, Roula and Alan Rossy and Sophie and Scott Jones, raised a whopping $1,386,000 in support of the school and its endowment fund, as well as the JGH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Finally, it should be duly noted that the benefit also marked the official launch of the Capital Campaign, to be helmed by honourary co-chairs André Desmarais and Vince Guzzo.
Now do you get my Selwyn envy?!
High five, bro! Auctioneer extraordinaire/headmaster Hal Hannaford gives mascot Gryphon a warm welcome.