Friends Together Again

Our honoree

and family

Our Friends Together Again Gala on Friday, May 6, was truly an evening to remember for the BFS community! It was a joy to be back together, inperson, and in community, to honor Sara Soll, and to sing, dance, and celebrate Brooklyn Friends School. Together, we raised nearly $150,000 to officially launch the Sara Soll Student Engagement Fund.

The evening’s program got off to a rousing start, as the Upper School dance group—The BFS Steppers— marched their way to the front of the room and put on an outstanding performance. Under the direction of Michelle Cole, the BFS students mesmerized the room with their stepping, dancing, and movement.

Following the opening, Brooklyn Friends Head of School, Crissy Cáceres formally welcomed everyone to the event. “This evening is to celebrate being together again,” Crissy said. We can never take for granted again—ever— what it means to come together.” Next to the stage was Jonathan Bach ’15, who started his BFS journey in Sara’s classroom, and gave a heartfelt, emotional speech in tribute to Sara.

Finally, Honoree Sara Soll took to the stage to thank everyone for being there and explaining how important the moment was for her and her family. As her husband, children and grandchild, close friends, colleagues, and BFS family members looked on, Sara shared her emotions.

“I will hold everyone in my heart, always,” Sara said. “I have so many memories that make me smile and that bring me joy. … and for this I am so very grateful and appreciative.” 

One of the highlights of the 2022 Gala was the formation of the Sara Soll Student Engagement Fund, in honor of Sara Soll, who retired this June after serving the Brooklyn Friends community for 36 years. This Fund, which is extremely close to Sara’s heart, will allow BFS to enrich the everyday experience of all Brooklyn Friends students by supporting programming such as visiting authors, field trips, student travel, and guest artists for Preschool through 12th Grade. This Fund will allow Sara’s legacy to impact BFS students and families for years to come!

To learn more and support the Sara Soll Student Engagement Fund, visit brooklynfriends.org/student-engagement-fund

WATCH ME Special thanks

While there were so many people who made the Gala the success it was, we wanted to call special attention to some special people without whom, the event would not have taken place at all! Emily Cowles, Karen Edelman, Peter Mackie, and Brett Topel of the Advancement and Communications teams; the BFS Steppers; Michelle Cole, Colleague and Advisor to the Steppers; Stephen Buck, Colleague and Performer; Amelia Jenison, Colleague and Performer; Tony Soll, Colleague and Performer; Jonathan Bach ’15; The Gala Planning Committee; The Gala Host Committee; Our Board of Trustees; The entire BFS Leadership Team; ALL in the BFS community who generously and whole-heartedly supported the celebration.