The International School’s first Christmas Fundraising Gala took place on Friday December 13 at Sandals Grande, and it certainly was a glittering event, packed to the rafters with parents, supporters and friends.
With the global economic nightmare of the past three years having affected the fee-paying school’s enrollment numbers, the newly-elected Board of Governors and voluntary Parent Council have joined forces in the past months to organise fundraising events, and the Christmas Gala surpassed even their expectations, in great part due to the night’s program of Saint Lucian talent.
MCs for the night were Ezi Hall and Solange Stanislaus, who got proceedings off to a start with an impassioned plea from Chair of the Board of Governors, Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun, reminding the audience why the International School is an important institution for Saint Lucia, with its focus on cutting edge education and leadership.
The program on the night included a top notch fashion show by SHE Caribbean, featuring haute couture gowns from world-renowned Trinidadian designer Claudia Pegus, and 2013-14 season resortwear from Sea Island Cotton Shop. The young folk did a tremendous job of showing off the fashions, and there were definitely a few aspiring runway models to keep an eye on.
Musical acts for the evening included Danielle ‘Lulu’ Bergasse, steel pan-maestro Ivan Smith, Lennie Stone, Frankie DuBoulay. Bringing the event to a climax was Lucian soca hero Teddyson John, who got the entire crowd to their feet, hands in the air and proudly enjoying the local boy’s talent.
Another of the night’s highlights was the musical comeback (of sorts) of The STAR’s very own Publisher Rick Wayne, accompanied on guitar by Boo Hinkson, who rocked the crowd, reminding older guests just why he was considered real competition to Elvis Presley and Cliff Richard back in the day, and shocking the young guests who never knew Rick could sing!! In between songs, the audience were treated to his singular style of witty banter, and by the time he finished with ‘Blue Suede Shoes’, everyone was on their feet, and several ladies were indeed on the stage along with Rick!!
