High Altitude Society: 39th annual Vail Mountain School Gala & Auction a success
Betty Ann Woodland | Special to the Daily |
BEAVER CREEK — It traditionally snows on the night of the annual Vail Mountain School Gala & Auction and this year was no exception.
“Usually, the more it snows the more successful the night is and this proved to be true this year,” said Vail Mountain School parent Nancy Cole.
Thank you’s went out to VMS parents and owners of The Metropolitan in Beaver Creek, Jon and Crissy Shipp who hosted the pre-party for sponsors.
The jungle chic theme was a big hit with attendees getting in the spirit with quite a few wild jungle outfits. There was a steel drum band for the cocktail party and silent auction that got everyone in the mood after the treacherous drive up to Beaver Creek in the first big snowstorm of the season.
The Hyatt outdid themselves on the food and service with a petit filet and “tiger” shrimp served for dinner.
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The jungle juice specialty drinks were flowing, as well as the generosity of the attendees. Live auctions items went big this year.
Live auction items included a tequila tasting dinner party hosted by VMS parents Juan-Carlos and Norma Aziz, a Churchill Downs VIP Experience and VMS headmaster Mike Imperi and his wife, Kathimarie, donated an Indian dinner in your home that sold three times.
The online live-super silent items were amazing this year. The acquisitions team of Jill Harty and Nancy Cole worked for eight months to find new and exciting experiences for attendees to purchase.
The Paddle Raise this year was extremely successful for a new interactive playground and new and improved workout equipment for the VMS gym.
‘Over-The-Top Job’
“Event Chairperson, Cathryn Cooper, did an over-the-top job with her endless hours of work for the last 10 months creating a night that will not be forgotten. This Gala will truly go down as one of the most fun, memorable and most successful events that Vail Mountain School has ever experienced,” Cole said.
