2018 Foundation Garden Party - The College’s Fundraiser

Beautiful clear blue skies greeted the 175 guests who attended the 2018 Foundation Garden Party held in the Sports Precinct Forecourt on Saturday 20 October. Many months of hard work by the organising committee ensured a successful afternoon with over 80 items up for sale via the online auction plus the Seat of Knowledge.

During the afternoon over $51,000 was raised for the Foundation’s Scholarship Fund to assist students, who for financial reasons would not be able to attend Somerset, share in the Somerset Experience.

Special thanks go to our major sponsors. CONDEV again contributed most generously as did Bel Air on Broadbeach. The event would not have been as successful without this support. Similarly, we thank those members of the College Community who generously donated items to the online auction.

Congratulations to Catherine Lee and Harvey Young who were successful in bidding for the Seat of Knowledge. Thank you both for your support.

This was the third Garden Party held by the College and once again Dr Annette Allen chaired the committee who put the day together. Her determination, generosity and enthusiasm seem to have no limits and the success of the event is testament to her work. Thank you Annette. Idy Chan, Penny Walker, Marcelle Small, Therese Bourke and Bede Young worked tirelessly for over six months to ensure auction items were available. Just as importantly they encouraged families to join us for this wonderful afternoon. Thank you all.

I also extend my thanks to my colleagues, Siân Daniel and Suzie Frawley whose co-ordination and logistical support ensured the Garden Party ran smoothly on the day.

Catering this year was provided by Somerset’s chef Martin Furlong. We thank Martin and his team for providing us with a sensational meal.

An important part of the Garden Party, is an In Conversation session with Alumni conducted by the Headmaster. This year Natalie Smith (Class of 2015), Chantal Ward (Class of 2013) and Liam Rawson (Class of 2013) spoke of the impact their scholarships made to their education and life experiences. I thank them for their wonderful words about their time at Somerset.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2018 Garden party and we look forward to another successful event in 2020.