Multiple generations of alumni, parents, faculty and community supporters of Saint Edward’s School gathered at the Moorings Yacht and Country Club to celebrate 60 years of excellence at a through-the-decades Pirate Ball that brought back fond memories of yesteryear while making plenty of new ones.
Alumnae Elizabeth Sorensen and Angela Waldrop co-chaired an industrious committee of more than a dozen other alums (most now parents of the next generation of STEDs students) who embraced the task of making this the most profitable fundraiser ever.
Sorensen and Waldrop, agents with the event’s presenting sponsor, Dale Sorensen Real Estate, have longtime family histories with the school. Elizabeth’s father, Dale Sorensen, served as headmaster during its first year and as a board member many years after that, and Waldrop’s grandfather, John Morrison, was one of its initial founders.
It was also a milestone 50th year for the school yearbook, and photos from its pages were blown up and displayed around the dining room for guests to reminisce over as they wandered down memory lane.
Catering to the decades theme, a DJ played music from the ’60s onward, and many embraced the idea of dressing in clothing from their favorite decade. Additionally, some had donated tickets to current and past faculty so that they could attend, which contributed to the nostalgia.
A silent auction featuring hundreds of donated items began online and concluded that evening, and some fixed-price items, including named plaques at the school, also sold out.
Attorney John Moore served as auctioneer for a spirited and successful live auction that included last minute additions from the Essaye and Hanford families. Each donated vacation packages and said that if bidding reached a certain point they would donate another. Each did, and they did.
The goal to beat was $335,000, which will go toward the school’s annual expenses, and Sorensen said it was definitely exceeded.
“It was the most successful Pirate Ball in the history of the school,” said Waldrop.
“We sold out, so that was awesome. We sold very single raffle and I think that’s the first year that’s ever been done. We did really well with sponsorships, getting things underwritten, and the silent and live auctions. It was really a fun night,” said Sorensen.
Waldrop credited Amy Wachter Driggers, daughter of longtime STEDs educators Joanie and Bruce Wachter, with driving the initial ticket sale momentum.
“She donated Riomar Totes from her handbag line, for swag bags which were filled with fabulous donations from local businesses,” said Waldrop. The bags went to the first 60 purchasers.
Sorensen also applauded the Moorings; this was the first Pirate Ball there since the pandemic.
“I have never heard more praise from more people about the way that the Moorings handled everything and how wonderful the food was. Every single person commented on what a great job they did,” said Sorensen.
“All in all, it was just a really great experience. We had a lot of great support from everyone in the school and the community and all of our parents. The best part was just celebrating with everybody,” she added.
“Any time Elizabeth and I have the opportunity to team up for a cause that we are passionate about, I consider it an absolute pleasure and know that it will be a successful and fun experience,” said Waldrop.
“Saint Edward’s has been such a big part of my and my family’s life for all six decades and I hope that the fundraising that occurred at this Pirate Ball will be a small drop in it flourishing for another 60 years,” she added.
As to next year, the job will belong to someone else.
“My son is heading into kindergarten and Angela’s son is heading to college, so this was our swansong together,” said Sorensen.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
