BFS Celebrates 150 in Style at the Brooklyn Museum
The BFS at 150 Anniversary Gala at the Brooklyn Museum was a tremendous success, raising over $150,000 (record breaking!) for financial aid at Brooklyn Friends School. In addition to this fundraising achievement, the BFS at 150 Gala was a joyous occasion that brought together our community of parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for an evening of celebration and pride in our School.
The Gala celebrations kicked off two weeks before the big night with an Online Auction. Featuring over 70 items, the Online Auction itself raised over $33,000 for financial aid at BFS and helped to build excitement for the main event. Then on Friday, May 11th, Brooklyn Friends took over the Brooklyn Museum. Almost 500 guests began the evening in the Glass Pavilion for mingling, food and drink. They then moved to the Beaux Art Court (photo above) for dinner under a starry sky and an exciting program featuring a conversation with legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and Head of School Dr. Larry Weiss, fantastic films about the history of BFS, and a “paddle raise” led by parent Sabrina LeBlanc that brought in over $30,000 in less than 60 seconds.
The night ended with a dance party in the Lobby with late night food and drink, dancing to the music of DJ Pup Dawg and a one-of-a-kind photo experience brought to us by Robert Johnson, BFS Class of 1971, and Jonsar Studios.
Thank you to: our Gala Chairs Paula and Hayden Dunbar, special guest Ken Burns, our Leadership Sponsors and Host Committee, the BFS at 150 Gala Committee and the BFS at 150 Steering Committee for their incredible support of the celebration. Brooklyn Friends School also thanks the generous donors to our Online Auction and those who bid big to support financial aid at BFS. Last but not least, we thank all those who purchased and donated tickets and supported this milestone celebration in a myriad of ways. The BFS at 150 Anniversary Gala was a night for our community and by our community.
Watch the films from the Gala:
“Brooklyn Friends School: 150 Years of Light” – produced by Andy Cohen, Director of Media Services
4B sings “Friends School Blue and Grey”
Enjoy photographs from the Gala here and here.
Explore the BFS at 150 Gala Event Program here.