Bon Appétit, Parkside!

Our Virtual Spring Benefit in Support of Parkside’s Art and Movement Programs

Last night more than 80 member of our community - parents, alumni, staff and friends - gathered on Zoom for a delectable culinary experience with Chef David Waltuck, Chef Anita Lo, Chef Bao Bao and Chef Wilson Costa.

Preceded by a live mixology demonstration by Zak Snyder of White Horse Tavern, who taught attendees to make a Vesper Martini, and Old Fashioned, and a Spicy Margarita, guests of Bon Appétit, Parkside participated in live cooking classes with each of our four chefs, cooking up beef filet, crispy chicken and sweet and sour sauce, fresh pasta with anchovies and radish, and a local Steelhead trout.

Albina Miller, Parkside’s Co-Head of School, said she had always wanted to do a culinary-themed event for Parkside’s annual benefit. A virtual event wasn’t what she originally had in mind, but what transpired will be something our community will remember for many years to come. It was a bright spot in what has been a challenging school year, thanks to the creativity and generosity of these four amazing chefs!

The evening, which was augmented by a silent online auction, raffle, and virtual giving tree that will remain open through Friday, March 26th at 10:00pm, was focused on raising money for Parkside’s beloved art and movement programs.

”Art, Music, Drama, Yoga and Gym have been at the heart of Parkside’s program, from the very beginning. We recognized early on that in order for Parkside to be different – to be better – that our school needed to really address the needs of the whole child. That includes regular opportunities to express themselves through art, music and drama, to learn to regulate their bodies through yoga and mindfulness, and to learn teamwork and agility through gym and movement” said Leslie Thorne, Co-Head of School and Educational Director.

Historically, these specialty programs are not mandated by the state. It is only through the generosity of donors like those who attended last night’s event on Zoom, that Parkside can continue to offer art, music, drama, yoga and gym to our students.

Parkside mom, Vanita Shastry, produced and edited this video highlighting the importance of these programs at Parkside, which debuted during last night’s benefit.

If you are interested in supporting our art and movement programs, please consider participating in our auction, or making a cash donation to help fund teacher salaries, curriculum, and the many tools needed to deliver these integral programs. Details can be found at ParksideBenefit.Givesmart.com.