Dear Congressional School Community, Thank you for joining us for the Above and Beyond Gala - Congressional School’s biggest community event of the year! Over the past several months under the leadership of Gala Chair, Allyson Judge P ‘18 ‘21, the Committee has secured dozens of amazing donations and assembled numerous exciting packages that we are pleased to present to you. Our Live Auction is full of enticing items for you to bid on, including concert tickets, travel packages, special dinner events, and of course, VIP parking! There’s something for everyone, and to top it off, there are new and fun elements to this year’s virtual event, including a pre-show, an optional gourmet dinner delivered to your door, and musical entertainment from the highly-rated local DJ Maskell. It promises to be an entertaining and memorable evening and I’m happy you can join us. The goal for this evening is twofold ● to celebrate our superhero teachers and staff who continue to go above and beyond every day to ensure that our students are learning, growing, and thriving despite the many challenges of the pandemic, and ● to raise money for our teachers and students with Gala proceeds invested in the new Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI). Dedicated to the young learner, the CTLI will be a hub for innovation and hands-on support for teachers and students that will launch in the fall of 2021 Our faculty and students are the direct beneficiaries of your generosity and I encourage you to raise your virtual paddles high and often. On behalf of all who teach and learn at Congressional School, thank you for your role in ensuring our continued path of excellence. With warmest wishes,
Dr. Edwin P. Gordon, Head of School
THE ABOVE AND BEYOND VIRTUAL GALA Congressional School 2021 Virtual Gala Thank you to all of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and staff for assisting us in our Annual Gala and Auction. In particular, please join in celebrating The Above and Beyond Gala Committee for their tremendous efforts to create such a memorable evening. Funds raised at the 2021 Annual Gala and Auction will directly support the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation (CTLI). In the fall of 2021, the Learning Center will become The Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation. As a hub of innovation and hands-on support for teachers and students, the CTLI will build upon the work of the Learning Center and provide a model for the School in achieving excellence in academic and student support services. The Center will serve as a resource for the study and development of learning-centered teaching, curricular innovation, and social-emotional development for the young learner at Congressional School. It will be committed to academic excellence, creative collaboration, and the cultivation of an inclusive, 21st-century student and faculty community. Your gift toward the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation will support: ● Hiring Additional Learning Specialists and Interns to provide Reading and Math support to PS-Grade 8 students ● Expanding our capacity to offer more Teaching and Learning Technology Tools
● Developing a Digital Resource Library in Teaching, Learning, and Social-Emotional Development for Infants-Grade 8 ● Hosting Faculty Conferences, Workshops, and Roundtables on Learning Sciences ● Providing Faculty Research and Innovative Teaching Grants for Infants-Grade 8 Teachers ● Hosting an Annual Congressional School Educational Innovation Conference ● Launching a Teaching and Learning Speaker Series On behalf of all who teach and learn here, we appreciate your ongoing support of Congressional School. We encourage you to bid high and bid often on Saturday, May 1 at 6:15 pm. Our children and faculty are the beneficiaries of your generosity, and your support ensures that we are able to sustain our excellence for the future!
Raise the Paddle Raise the Paddle is an opportunity to show your support for the Center of Teaching, Learning and Innovation. Every gift is 100% tax deductible and will help seed the creation of the CTLI -- a hub of innovation and hands-on support for teachers and students that will launch in the fall of 2021. To encourage investment in the CTLI during the Above & Beyond Gala, the Schellhas Family is offering a challenge of $50,000 for 50 gifts of $500 or more. When the challenge is met, the Schellhas Family will donate $50,000! Please consider being as generous as you are able. Raise the Paddle in one of three ways by Saturday, May 1:
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Visit www.congressionalgala.org and click “Make a Donation” Text “aboveandbeyond” to 243725 Submit in the Zoom Chat
Thank you to the Schellhas Family for their $50,000 challenge!
SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2021 Online Bidding Closes – 5:30 pm Pre-Show – 6:15 pm Welcome from Dr. Gordon – 6:30 pm Thank You to our Superheroes – 6:45 pm Live Auction and Raise the Paddle – 7:00 pm DJ Maskell – 7:45 pm
ABOVE AND BEYOND VIRTUAL GALA COMMITTEE Special thanks to our Gala Chair, Allyson Judge Jennifer Bethel, Graphic Design Chair Bridgitte Brooks Kolby DeHart Nicole Guagenti Suzanne Gustafson Will Gustafson Jenafer Howard Melissa Kennedy Heather Kiriakou Jessica MacNair Edy Rameika, Decorations Chair Helen Saks, Communications Chair Julie Sherman-Dumais Michael Sherman
Advancement Office Chris Pryor Alyce Penn Ru Buttner
LIVE AUCTION Thank you to the following donors of our Live Auction items: Congressional School Jim and Linda Frye Nolan and Nicole Guagenti Dr. Edwin and Mrs. LaRita Gordon Alexey Orlov and Vera Zolotarskaya Sean and Edy Rameika John Tato ’99
Meet Our Auctioneer Sherry Truhlar, President of Red Apple Auctions Co. and nationally-recognized benefit auctioneer, will be joining our community for the Above and Beyond Virtual Gala on Saturday May 1. Her energy and enthusiasm create an atmosphere of fun and friendly competition for every fundraising event of which she is a part.
8 VIP seats - Jimmy Buffett at Jiffy Lube Live on 8/7/21
Join Jimmy Buffett LIVE on August 7, 2021, at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, VA. This package includes eight (8) Box Seat Tickets, including VIP parking and lounge access. With Hemingway's eye for detail and Mark Twain's inclination for mischievous humor, Buffett's music tells the stories of the hustlers, the beach bums, and the pirates from all corners of the world. Through it all are woven the themes of escapism, wanderlust, and an unbridled curiosity that makes life a journey worth taking. Don't you want to take the journey with him this summer? Note: Tickets and parking pass will be emailed to the winning bidder when available. Donor: Sean and Edy Rameika Value - $1,500 For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
5 VIP seats & $500 Spending Allowance Washington Nationals - May or June 2021
Take the entire family out to the ballgame! This package includes five (5) tickets to a Washington Nationals home game in May or June, 2021, including parking and a $100 per ticket credit ($500 total) to be spent during the 2021 season - in the ballpark, where it can be used on food, drink, or merchandise on game day OR anytime at the official Nationals online store - whatever makes your game experience even better! NOTE: Game date to be mutually agreed upon once tickets are released for the scheduled May/June games; actual seat location to be determined by safety protocols at the park and released by a park representative at the beginning of May/June. Seats were originally designated as PNC Diamond Club, but due to COVID-related capacity restrictions at the park limiting attendees to 10,000 per game, they may be moved to something equivalent or better to accommodate - current tickets are located in Section 210 E. Donor: Nolan and Nicole Guagenti Value: $1,250
For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
First In Line/Reserved Parking Spot - Big School
Reserve your personal parking space at the Big School building -- the only personalized parking space located at the front of the building. Make your life easier with prime parking for all school events and first-in-line status at dismissal. The parking space will be reserved exclusively for your family with a personalized sign. Students in K-4 will be brought to your spot at the front of the school at dismissal! Available for the 2021-2022 academic year. Limited to current Congressional School families only. Donor: Congressional School Value: Priceless!
For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Outer Banks Getaway for 25 at Wild Horse Estate - Summer 2022
Get away with 25 of your closest friends and family for a one-week stay on the beach at the Wild Horse Estate in Corolla, NC during the summer of 2022. “Wild Horse” is the venue of a lifetime! Custom built on the oceanfront, this 23-bedroom/23 bathroom, 13,000+ square foot coastal estate is one of the largest and most secluded on the Outer Banks and offers guests an idyllic setting. A 1,000 square foot special event room offers impressive views of the ocean and can accommodate more than 100 guests. At “Wild Horse,” family and friends can play, celebrate, and stay at one impressive location amongst the windswept dunes. Plan now for that destination wedding, family reunion, or other large gathering you have been dreaming of! For additional pictures, floorplans, and layouts, and a description of amenities, please visit: Wild Horse Estate Available Dates: 6/12-19/2022, 7/31-8/7/2022, 8/14-21/2022 NOTE: ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR BEST OF LIVE DRAWING Donors: Sean and Edy Rameika Value: $17,000 For more information on this item, a description of its amenities, and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Private Dinner for 4 with Dr. Edwin and Mrs. LaRita Gordon in Bethesda
Join Head of School Dr. Edwin Gordon and his wife, LaRita, for a private dinner for four (4) individuals at their home in Bethesda, MD. This is a special opportunity to connect with the Head of School in a smaller group outside of the school setting. Dinner will be catered with the menu determined by the winning bidder! This unique opportunity will take place on a mutually-agreeable date during the 2021-2022 school year. Please allow 4 weeks’ notice for planning purposes. Attendees are limited to families of Congressional School: parents and grandparents of current students; alumni; and parents and grandparents of alumni. Donors: Dr. Edwin and Mrs. LaRita Gordon Value: Priceless!
For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Sea Island, GA Cottage for 10 – Spring Break 2022
Enjoy a week-long getaway for Spring Break 2022 (April 10 - April 17, 2022) in Sea Island, GA! PGA-level golf, tennis, biking, a spa, fine dining, and other activities are all available to you and your family while you relax in this 5-bedroom cottage - your home away from home - for the week! For additional pictures, floor plans and layouts, and description of amenities offered at this cottage, please take the virtual tour at: Sea Island Cottage Tour or visit the website at www.seaisland.com Select Accommodations/Cottages (Search for 802) Available Dates: 4/10-4/17/22 (Sunday-Sunday, 4pm check-in, 10am check-out) NOTE: ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR BEST OF LIVE DRAWING Donors: Jim and Linda Frye Value: $10,300 For more information on this item, a description of its amenities, and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
"Old World Icon" Wine Tasting with John Tato (In person)
This intimate gathering of up to six (6) people will take a tour through some of the most iconic old world wine regions in Europe! Hosted outdoors by the Guagenti family at their home in Dupont Circle, the winning bidders will taste eight (8) fine wines from places like Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Mosel, Tuscany, Priorat, and Rioja. Over the course of several hours, you will learn about what makes these places so unique and why their wines are so special - and, of course, indulge in some delicious wine and snacks. Note: The event date will be coordinated with the purchaser and Guagenti family. The event will be hosted outdoors with appropriate safety protocols. Donor: John Tato ’99 Value: $1,000 For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Marriott Grande Vista Orlando 3BR Villa One Week Stay (8/8/2021 - 8/15/2021)
Spend an entire week of fun in the Florida sun from August 8-15, 2021 (Sunday turnover) in Orlando at the Marriott Grande Vista. Enjoy a three-bedroom villa for you and the extended family with 3 bedrooms (sleeping 12 max - 2 King beds, 2 Double beds, 2 Sofa Beds), a fully-equipped kitchen, in-unit washer/dryer, and complimentary WiFi, in addition to complimentary on-site parking. For resort specifics please visit: Marriott's Grande Vista Orlando Available Dates: 8/8/2021-8/15/2021 (Sunday-Sunday, 4pm check-in, 10am check-out) Donor: Congressional School Value: $2,000 For more information on this item, a description of its amenities, and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Russian Dinner Party & Vodka Tasting for 6 Fall 2021
The winning bidders will join their hosts -- Alexey Orlov and Vera Zolotarskayai -- in their home this fall for a beautiful tradition of a Russian dinner, including delicious cuisine and cultural discussion, with a vodka tasting to follow. Dinner will include a few traditional Russian salads, home-made dumplings, stew, and desserts. To accompany the desserts, tea will be made in an antique Russian samovar (wood-burning). The hosts will serve their favorite vodkas and teach the right way to drink it (with love, of course!). They will also regale the winners with all they would like to know about Russian culture. Note: Menu can be fine-tuned to accommodate allergies, vegan requests, etc. Vodkas will include the hosts' favorite (Russian Standard), as well as several infused vodkas from MariVanna restaurant. Actual vodkas to taste may differ, and may depend on guests’ tastes, but will be communicated prior to the event. Due to alcohol tasting, guests are encouraged to use an Uber for the evening. Dinner will be scheduled on a mutually-agreeable date in Fall 2021 - please allow four weeks’ notice. Donors: Alexey Orlov and Vera Zolotarskaya Value: Priceless! For more information on this item and restrictions, visit the gala website at www.congressionalgala.org
Vision We ignite the spark in young learners to become great thinkers and leaders who will positively impact our world. Mission We provide an inspirational and challenging student-centered educational experience within our diverse and supportive community where children question, collaborate, create, and lead. Core Values We believe that strong character is essential to being a great thinker and leader. These core values reflect our aspirations as individuals and as a community. INTEGRITY KINDNESS PERSEVERANCE RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY