KENT – Fairies and woodland scenes greeted guests arriving at the Kent Community House for the Enchanted Evening April 27.
Those attending marveled at the transformation of the space by the Kent Community Nursery School’s decorating committee that included Anna de Rham, the school’s director, board members along with a few members of her family.
A number of attendees took the opportunity to dress in costumes that represented the theme, including several sporting crowns or tiaras or in fabrics that seemed to float in the air.
The event was such a success that organizers extended it a full hour because people were having such a great time, participants said.
Board of Directors President Véronique Mertl took a few moments to thank all those attending, as well as those who sponsored the event and donated auction items.
In particular, she saluted de Rham and the teachers.
“Thank you so much for being our school,” Mertl said to the teachers. She also thanked the parents attending for “choosing KCNS.”
The event was organized by four members of the KCNS Board of Directors, Denise Morocco, Elizabeth Bernard, Jenn Duncan, Mertl, and Director Anna de Rham.
Chef Mario Quinde from NYC’s Hotel Carlyle created the event food. Mertl complimented his efforts as a huge part of the evening and noted he put a significant amount of volunteer time and effort into preparing the food.
Taking advantage of technology was a feature of the event. Bidding on the silent auction items required scanning a QR code with one’s phone. The group used the platform at givebutter.com to offer bidding on the 36 different items. It had the feel of a live auction because people were regularly outbid, particularly during the last hour until 10 p.m.
Music was provided by a traditional DJ, Ben Escobedo, but there was also a silent disco option, where people donned headphones to listen to music.
Tickets were also available to purchase online to supplement the one free drink and select an item from the “pocket lady.” She spread out her cape to reveal a variety of pockets filled with items that could be selected.
This was the first major fundraising evening event hosted by KCNS in recent years and the organizers were pleased by the response.
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Georgina Bates
May 4, 2024 at 8:36 pm
Credit where credit is due: the chef who made all appetizers is named Mario Quinde.
Denise Morocco
May 6, 2024 at 12:56 pm
And Mario deserves a lot of credit – his food was fabulous! And the party committee made a great team creating the event, not to mention the wider Kent community donating generously to our cause.