The Academy’s 30th Annual Auction "That’s Amore!" was held at Allegheny Country Club on April 22, 2017. Auction chairs Rachel Allen, Marne Busatto, Melissa Marks, and Jenna Stevenson kicked off the evening with a "Bellini" toast in honor of those present for their support and generosity for this important fundraiser. Senior School student volunteers included freshmen Chris Martian, Will Stevenson, Luke Tyson, Nick Valenta, and Joe Wyche and senior Sam Sauter, who assisted with everything from helping bidders locate items to selling raffle tickets and organizing and sorting items post-auction.
The Red Room was bursting with an array of silent auction items including exclusive trips, beautiful student artwork, autographed sports memorabilia, jewelry from Orr’s Jewelers, and so much more! During the Live Auction there were fabulous prizes up for bid, such as stays in private homes in Aspen and Snowmass, Colorado, a long weekend at the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne, Florida, a barge trip down our rivers with parent Brad Busatto ’88, Head of School for the day, Lady Gaga tickets, a SA Means Alumni Gym repurposed floor coffee table, to name a few. There were also Fund-A-Need items that enabled guests to make a direct monetary donation to support: Summerbridge Pittsburgh; the Safety and Security department; a new Health and Wellness Center; and iPads for digital art to be utilized by Senior and Middle School students.
During the cocktail hour, guests were able to catch up with old friends or meet some new Academy families. Socializing while bidding was easy with the use of smartphones. Those folks unable to attend the event were bidding from afar as the Text2Bid utility was opened to all families, local alumni, grandparents, and friends of the Academy. More than $18,000 was raised before the event officially began!
As guests entered the ballroom, they were treated to a festive Italian flair with tables decorated in red and white checked cloths, a fantastic menu including Italian appetizers, fine wines, a wonderful chicken roulade with scampi shrimp, and a lovely tiramisu trifle for dessert. Each guest received a bottle of specialty vinegar or olive oil as a favor.
Fund-A-Need Breakdown:
Summerbridge Pittsburgh – $76,900
A New Health and Wellness Center – $7,450
New iPads for Digital Art Classes – $6,900
Safety and Security – $20,500
This year’s event was a wonderful way to bring the Sewickley Academy community together with parents, alumni, and grandparents in attendance showing their support and pride for the Academy. This year’s Auction raised more than $328,000 thanks to the contributions of our donors, sponsors, advertisers, and bidders!
This special and important event could not have been successful without each company or individual contributor’s financial support or donation of time and talent. Thank you all!
