Blog

“Great Scott!”! This past Sunday, on November 17, parents and teachers were transported “Back to the 80s!” for the annual RAA Gala which was held at The Mitten Building and organized by our Home & School’s Gala Committee.  At this 80s Prom-themed event, guests were greeted at the entrance by a life-sized DeLorean time machine and spent the first hour sipping on delightful mocktails, bidding on silent auction baskets, posing inside an inflatable LED Photobooth, and buying raffle tickets for a chance to win a Pac-Man table arcade or an Apple AirPods Max! Plenty of “Prom-inspired” photo opportunities were also available, including an impressive neon-colored 80s inspired balloon garland backdrop.

This year, the Gala’s fundraising goal was to raise $60,000 to go towards the Library and STEM Lab, in order to create an engaging outdoor study area for our K-12 students as well as to add state-of-the-art laser machines for use in future innovative STEM projects. In recognition of these goals, a custom tree painting for the Library was commissioned, and throughout the evening, guests were able to add their own leaf to the tree while top sponsors were asked to sign a book on the mural. In addition, STEM students, under the tutelage of our STEM instructor Charlie Wilber, created the stunning 3D Rubik’s Cube and 3D Pac-Man table centerpieces for the Gala, which was yet another testament to the exciting opportunities for creativity and ingenuity our students enjoy during STEM.

After an opening impromptu 80s dance number by our very own principal, Bill Arnold, guests enjoyed the rest of the dinner expertly entertained by our high school math teacher-turned professional auctioneer, Mr. Brent Haloviak, who kept the energy high throughout the evening as individuals bid on items ranging from the prized “Reserved” parking lot spaces to orchestra tickets for the hit musical “Back to the Future.” A teaser for the highly anticipated master campus renovation plan was also shared as insight into our next big fundraising goals for the school.

The prom night also included a Rubik’s Cube contest and a friendly (but competitive) 80s table trivia game, but the true highlight of the evening may simply have been admiring all the fantabulous vintage dresses and epic mullet wigs worn by so many of our Gala attendees! As the night came to a close, the 80s hit song, “Don't Stop Believin'” played on reminding everyone to never stop “believin’” in our awesome students and teachers at RAA!

A HUGE thanks to all our amazing sponsors, donors, and supporters for their generous contributions, as we were able to raise over $80k in Gala proceeds – a superb number for our Totally Rad, Totally RAA 80s theme!