About 360 people filled Centerpointe Marriot in Pontiac for the 19th Annual Everest Gala Auction – “Igniting the Flames of Hope,” April 9.
‘It was fantastic,? said Everest Executive Director Mike Nalepa. “It was our second best ever. Especially in this economy, this is a great sign of hope.”
Patrons donated about $280,000 in live and silent auctions, chaired by Shannon Gales and Terri Nallamothu.
Winning bids included $13,000 for an Everest VIP Family package, $7,400 for Detroit Sports Fan Package, and $5,200 for the cover of Everest’s first-ever School Photo Calendar.
“We’re eternally grateful,” Nalepa said. “Their gifts will have a tremendous impact.”
Everest Drama students presented a dinner-theater production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
“They were very successful,” Nalepa said.
Funds raised will be used to retain and recruit faculty and staff, academic programs, and tuition assistance for about 120 students. The event is Everest’s second biggest fund raiser, after its annual fund drive.
“But it’s the most fun and social,” Nalepa said. “It gets the community involved.”
? Phil Custodio