Friends of Marquez ‘Music Festival’ Gala Raises $70,000

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Friends of Marquez hosted its annual fundraiser at the Jonathan Club in Santa Monica on Saturday evening, March 16, raising more than $70,000 for Marquez Charter Elementary School.

“The auction is Marquez’s ‘not-to-miss’ fundraising gala of the year, and it is our second biggest fundraiser,” according to Friends of Marquez. “A large team of parent volunteers work together to organize the entire event, from all aspects of event planning to soliciting auction item donations.”

Friends of Marquez is a nonprofit organization run by parent volunteers who fundraise and work with the Marquez Governing Board and school leaders.

The Caruso Foundation was this year’s lead sponsor of the event, alongside The Law Office of Alexander T. Gruft and The Rehabilitation Center of Beverly Hills.

This year’s theme was Marquez Music Festival. The event included silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing with live music by Marquez parent Dan Stein and his band, Shambala.

Adam Wolfson and Shoshana Himmel served as live auctioneers. This year’s catalog featured a stay at the Four Seasons in Maui, as well as experiences like learning how to brew beer and creating a custom brew.

The most anticipated live auction items included the chance to choose the school’s logo on the lower yard basketball courts and a reserved spot in the Marquez parking lot.

The event was led by Himmel and Marquez alumni Haley Greenberg, with co-chairs Tiffany Ashrafi, Michelle Oles, Sarah Goldsmith and Jamie Wolin.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are from my time at Marquez,” Greenberg said. “Many of the staff and teachers that were at the school when I attended in the ’90s are still there today, which speaks to their unwavering commitment to these kids. It has been such a privilege to be able to send my daughter to this magical school, and watch her enjoy the same incredible community and teachers I was able to enjoy as a kid.”

Matt Plume—on behalf of the American Legion-Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283—presented a $10,000 donation check.

In total, the event garnered more than $70,000 to support the school. Funds raised will go toward lowering class sizes, paying for additional teachers and any other school needs.

“Immersing myself in the community now as a parent and working with a superstar group of moms to throw together this year’s auction was a joy,” Greenberg said after the event. “We are so fortunate that everything went off without a hitch, and that we were able to raise money to support our incredible kids, teachers and staff that keep this school special.”