April 2001 3 ViewPoint WPGA GALA 2001 Presents Arabian Nights oy ar aah ey What An Arabian Night! The evening started at six with guests entering through a beautiful cascading red tent. Clive and Madeleine Austin and PVG Chair, Wendy Valdes greeted guests. To help set the theme, the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel served “Desert Breeze” drinks, certainly encouraging the fun atmosphere. With over 350 auction items displayed in the foyer, people were eager to start the bidding. As the ballroom doors opened two belly dancers emerged, dancing around the marketplace auction and escorting people into the lavishly decorated ballroom - rich fabrics, glittering trinkets on the tables. The Master of Ceremonies, Pam Richardson, greeted all the guests and introduced the video presentation prepared by Roger Husband, Greg Krantz. and Jeff Murton, with photos by Anne Carson and Daryl Cline. An excellent start to the evening's events! As the exotic meal was being served, the Live Auction began with items ranging from the ever-popular parking spots to fabulous vacations. And of course, there was always time to go back out to the foyer, mingle with friends and check on silent bids before the first closing! Later on, the music started and as usual, our parents and teachers rose to the occasion by filling the dance floor. The evenings events wound down at about 1:00 am, with the clean up crew staying till 230 am. Overall it was another outstanding evening - with new and old friends, teachers and staff all setting together to celebrate the wonderful school community that we have formed. A very special thank you to everyone who donated, sponsored and bid so enthusiastically at the Arabian Nights Gala 2001. This year’s Gala raised approximately $160,000!!! The funds will benefit the school life of students in all grades.