MKA Spring Gala Draws Huge Crowd

Endless Opportunities” for enjoyment abounded at the 2012 Montclair Kimberley Academy Parents’ Association annual Spring Fundraiser held at the Pleasantdale Chateau on April 14.

Chaired by parent Karen Durando and her team of dedicated volunteers, this highly popular event once again featured silent and live auctions, jewelry and tuition raffles, and a sit down dinner.  

The gala theme of "Endless Opportunities" highlighted the advantages of an MKA education. Following welcomes from Parents' Association President Karen Ross, MKA Headmaster Thomas Nammack and Durando herself, the evening program began with inspirational words from MKA alumni read aloud by current seniors; as well as from special guest speaker, plastic surgeon, Paralympic sailor and MKA Distinguished Alumni Award recipient Dr. Rick Doerr '78.

“The support of the entire community with their donations and the incredible generosity of our guests at the event was just overwhelming.” Said Durando, “And, of course, the evening could never have been as successful as it was without the dedication and energy level of the enormous number of volunteers who supported me every step of the way.” 

The Spring Gala is PAMKA’s largest single fundraising event and the proceeds raised support MKA’s faculty endowment, campus "Wish List" items and Faculty Trust Grants—PAMKA-funded travel opportunities for faculty to pursue their academic passions around the world.