Chairs of Beacon Hill Nursery School’s Annual Spring Auction.
Beacon Hill Nursery School (BHNS) held its Annual Spring Auction on Friday, April 27, at the Four Seasons Hotel, across from the Public Garden.
Six parents – Lauren Strik, Kristi Amendolare, Carey Hennigar, Kristy Kelleher, Annie Ketchen and April Bradshaw – served as co-chairs for the event, alongside BHNS staff including Micki Rowaan, development director; Ali Munroe, Rainbow Room teacher; and Keisha Jones, Kaleidoscope teacher. The theme, “Spring in Your Step,” was a wonderful celebration of springtime in Boston, and the auction chairs drew inspiration for the décor and prizes from the weather and landscape of the city.
“We wanted to create a light-hearted event in which the BHNS community could gather and celebrate its accomplishments,” said Annie Ketchen, auction chair. “The BHNS families made the evening one of the most profitable in the school’s history. The staff, teachers, and parents alike all had a fantastic time, so we feel that our goals for the event were accomplished.”
During the silent auction, guests could try their luck at the table of tulip “grab bags” or buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a case of vintage champagne or sapphire and diamond earrings. The evening’s most coveted silent auction prize was a VIP trip to Miami with passes to the exclusive Art Basel, donated by a BHNS family.
Welcoming the 238 guests into the ballroom was a tap group, Boston Tap Company, which set the light and fun tone for the evening. Once inside, guests were treated to dessert during the live auction, slide shows and dancing. The popular tote bag auction (bags decorated by each classroom) was a hit as always. The most coveted package in the live auction was an exclusive Umbrian villa for a week, a gift from a BHNS alumni family. John Terrio, served as the auctioneer for the event and ended the evening with a paddle raise to build up the school’s professional development fund.