Parker Announces Annual Gala Fundraiser

2016 Black and White Ball with Old Hollywood Glamour

Francis Parker School is holding a Black and White Ball, the gala to raise funds for student scholarships and faculty professional development. The event will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016 on the Linda Vista Campus.

This year’s Black and White Ball theme will evoke Hollywood’s Golden Age glamour with a formal supper club ambience. The artfully imagined evening will welcome guests through a red carpet path to the reception areas where they will enjoy dishes prepared by top-tier chefs.

“The entire evening is planned to exceed expectations for a celebration of sophistication and style,” said co-chair Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade.

The online culinary network, Chef’s Roll, co-founded by Parker parent Frans van der Lee, is bringing in such culinary talent as James Montejano from La Valencia Hotel; Javier Plascencia from Bracero; Michelin-starred Drew Deckman of El Mogor in the Valle de Guadalupe; David Warmer from Bottega Americano and Guiseppe Ciuffa from Giuseppe’s Catering.

Dazzling entertainment will include aerial artists, a swing band and a red carpet photo booth. VIP ticketholders will relax in the posh Riviera Magazine lounge during the reception portion of the evening. Guests will also enjoy the craft mixology of the Snake Oil Cocktail Company as they browse through the stunning selections available at the silent auction including amazing culinary experiences and elegant adventures.

The gala experience takes on added sparkle during the elegant sit-down dinner. “Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the live auction to Fund-a-Scholarship and Fund-a-Fellowship, before swing dancing to live music,” said Michele Arthur, event co-chair.

This year, the gala committee is inviting not only current Parker parents, but alumni and grandparents as well,” said Ms. Walther-Meade. “We anticipate breaking School records for gala attendance and fundraising with the Black and White Ball.”

The Gala band will provide swing dance music.

Established in 1912, Francis Parker School offers a rigorous, college-preparatory education for students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. The Lower School is housed on the historic Mission Hills Campus with the Middle and Upper Schools on the state-of-the-art Linda Vista Campus.

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