A Night at the Ranch: A Night to Remember

Laguna Blanca School 2019 Spring Benefit

To celebrate its milestone birthday of 85 years, Laguna Blanca School went back to its roots for the annual spring benefit on April 27, welcoming friends, family, alumni, faculty, and staff back to where it all began. Aptly named A Night at the Ranch, the event was held for the first time on Laguna’s picturesque Hope Ranch campus, where the doors were first opened to students on September 21, 1933.

“It was so special to hold this event on campus and to bring together such a broad spectrum of our community—we had alums from as far back as 1953!” says Head of School Rob Hereford. “This celebration reinforced our core value of community in remarkable fashion while also raising critical funding for our school.”

In true ranch form, the school’s athletic field was transformed into a Wild West extravaganza complete with hay bales, twinkling lights, and vintage wagons. Serving as a dramatic backdrop was the façade of the expansive tent, which was built with reclaimed wood from an 80-year-old barn on the Sabino family ranch.

Decked out in denim, lace, and cowboy hats, over 250 guests arrived to the sounds of folk music by The Bryan TITUS Trio. Attendees saddled up to an alfresco saloon for the signature Laguna Lemonade and a specialty whiskey tasting while hors d’oeuvres such as Nashville Fried Hot Chicken sliders, Pigs in a Blanket, and Tex Mex Spring Rolls were enjoyed. A silent auction provided the opportunity to bid on items such as fine wine, turquoise jewelry, and even a custom saddle emblazoned with the event's belt buckle-inspired logo.

The dinner bell kicked off a delectable meal catered by Rincon Events that was served under rustic wooden chandeliers and amongst abundant wildflower arrangements reminiscent of spring meadows.

Cameron Michael with KLM Auctions took the reins as the auctioneer for the evening with support from emcee Alicia Wilson ’90. The Live Auction portion of the night reflected the benefit’s theme and included ranch vacation destinations, an original piece by Laguna parent and artist Russell Young entitled This Land is Your Land, as well as a unique opportunity to blend one’s own Syrah with Laguna family vintners the Beckmens and Murrays.

A moving video highlighting the faculty and programs that inspire Laguna students to follow their passions set the tone for the paddle-raise grand finale. “With the heart and generosity of our community shining bright, we lived up to the legacy that was left for us and invested in our greatest treasure—our students,” says Director of Development Marcy Jacobs. “The event raised over $400,000 to benefit Laguna’s students and programs.” Guests kicked up their heels to end the magical night with dancing under the stars.

A true community effort of many generous and talented individuals behind the scenes, this dazzling Night at the Ranch would not have been possible without the vision and leadership of Event Chairs Stacey Fell and Kendra Sabino. We are so grateful to them and to all who worked together to bring the Laguna community back to the Ranch!

Click for event photos and photo booth images.
 
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS EVENT SPONSORS

TRAIL BOSS
Fuladi Family

WRANGLER
Christal Family
Costner Family
Douglas Family
Friend of Laguna
Gabler Family
Jackson Family
Shiebler Family/GE Company
Zemeckis Family

RANCHERO
Andrew Murray Vineyard
Beckmen Vineyard
Branch Family
Fowler Family
Finola Hughes & Russell Young
Loncki Family
Nicks Family
Rice Family
Skydance Villa
Zhang Family

RUSTLER
Rebecca & David Ball
Barker Family
Barnick Family
Scott Charney & Ellen McDermott-Charney
Pedro de La Cruz
Davenport Family
Farrell Family
Fell Family
Gainey Family
Gary & Maureen Goldberg
Hearing Services of SB/Danielle ‘83 & John McCaffery
Henderson Family
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Jackson ’78
Carol & Stephen King
Koke Family
Lund-Brown Family
Neubauer Family
Niehaus Family
O’Connor Family/Storm McGovern Family
The Ranch at Paws Up
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Power
Pryor Family
Purkait Family
Julia & JB Rodgers
Sabino Family
Tolles Family
Weaver Family
Jodie Willard
Zeini Family
 
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