Why a “Big Top Tent” was the best thing ever at “The Greatest Show on Bellefontaine Street”
Months of meticulous planning for “The Greatest Show on Bellefontaine Street,” our spirited, vintage circus themed Benefit 2018, took a disappointing turn when the forecast called for pouring rain. What happened next speaks to the tremendous support of our Mayfield family and the unflappable, ingenious organizing team.
Overnight, our benefit chair, Chelisa Vagim, and Page Malloy, Mayfield's special events coordinator, ditched the cute circus tent on the Pergola Lawn and ordered up a huge “Big Top” shelter with protective side sheathing that spanned the length of a parking lot. The decorating committee sprang into action, re-imagining a much bigger venue. No detail was too small as Director of Development Angela Howell ’76 overnighted 20 mega red-and-white umbrellas.
Our caterer, alum Cynthia Trepanier Porter ’79, then worked under a portable tent in the senior parking lot during one of the biggest storms of the seaon. Waiters under umbrellas carried each dish into the gym and served up a hot meal.
Our caterer, alum Cynthia Trepanier Porter ’79, then worked under a portable tent in the senior parking lot during one of the biggest storms of the seaon. Waiters under umbrellas carried each dish into the gym and served up a hot meal.
But most important, every guest showed up and we joyfully partied through the storm because Mayfield supporters are not fair-weathered friends!
Although numbers are still being tallied, the great news is that we raised approximately $300,000 in gross revenue, including $90,000 in a special paddle raise to furnish classrooms with technology-driven “Smart boards” and moveable furniture for dynamic teaching.
Beneath a magical canopy that transformed the gym into a circus tent with red and white silks, we gave loud and grateful applause to our beloved honorees, Tom and Julie Condon, and Joyce O'Hagan Nores '49. Benefit Chair Chelisa Vagim took her last bow after a remarkable three-year run as Benefit chair.
Additional thanks was extended to parents Courtney Evans, Rebecca Reed, Becky Sarni, Cheryl Smith and Lisa Weithas for their four years of service to the Benefit.
Our Dance Conservatory students wowed everyone. Oh, and filet mignon and shrimp entrees were really tasty!
But most important “The Greatest Show on Bellefontaine Street” brought us all together under one glorious tent to support and show our love for Mayfield, ensuring that our excellent school continues to provide an excellent Catholic education to our “greatest”and most precious daughters.
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
