Gillispie School's Corks & Forks

LA JOLLA, Calif. – On May 18, 2018, over 175 Gillispie supporters gathered for Gillispie School’s 4th Annual “Corks & Forks” event: a beer, wine, and cuisine tasting event held on Pirtle Field at The Gillispie School. Co-chaired by Gillispie parents Christina Freundt, Kelly Kjos, and Jennifer McIlvaine Landa and designed by Alaleh Miremadi, “Corks & Forks” serves as a community friend-raiser, bringing together Gillispie parents past, present, and incoming, as well as community supporters.

Head of School Alison Fleming remarked, “This really is the event of the year for Gillispie parents and grandparents. Gillispie is all about our community: our families and the businesses that surround us and support us. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to come together, celebrating the school year and the beautiful village we call home.”

Napa/Sonoma winemakers David Arthur Vineyards, Skipstone Wines, and Bruliam Wines, as well Mexico’s Baja United Wines, traveled to Gillispie to pour tastes of their best. They were joined by local wine purveyors Bird Rock Fine Wine, Meritage Wine Market and Tasting Room, and Quigley Fine Wines.

Local brewers Absolution by the Sea, Bivoauc Ciderworks, and Resident Brewing poured suds, and rounding out this feast for the senses were local cuisine partners A.R. Valentien, Aroi Thai Café, Duke’s La Jolla, Piazza 1909, Supernatural Sandwiches, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, and We Olive.

In recognition of the School’s partnership with wine makers in the Napa and Sonoma region, the event’s raffle proceeds (totaling $4,000) were donated to those affected by the tragic wildfires which ravaged the region in late 2017. Director of Advancement & Community Relations Jill McIntyre Kelly commented, “Each year, we reach out to businesses in Northern California to be a part of this event, and each year, dedicated and generous business people support us. It is our privilege to give back to a region which, months later, is still rebuilding.”

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Gillispie School is an independent, coeducational day school located in downtown La Jolla enrolling students from age two through Grade Six. Gillispie School’s mission is to provide educational excellence while serving as a springboard for children’s love of learning, creativity, and readiness for the future. To learn more, visit www.gillispie.org.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

All photos by Kayley Levenson

• Corks & Forks, Gillispie School’s Annual Friend-raiser.
• Event Co-Chairs Kelly Kjos, Jennifer McIlvaine Landa, Jill McIntyre Kelly, Christina Freundt, Alaleh Miremadi.
• Jason Heintz of Sonoma winery Skipstone Ranch.
• Jen Brill, Emaluisa Serhan, Brandy Dewhurst.
• Guests enjoying the event.
• Russell and Scott Murfey.
• Harrison Stoneham and Avelina Kauffman.
• Stephanie Bucciero.
• Tom Halsey and friends.
• Tara Leard and Lauren Neiman.