SCEGGS Community Ensures Light Her Path Campaign Dinner Success

On Saturday night the SCEGGS Capital Campaign Committee held a beautiful evening in the Great Hall as part of its program to raise funds for the refurbishment of Wilkinson House and to expand the SCEGGS scholarship fund. The community responded to the call to action with great enthusiasm and we raised over $1.2 million.

We are delighted at the generosity of our community and very excited about being another step closer to the goal of $12 million to enable work on Wilkinson House to begin at the end of this year. We were equally delighted to see the 225 parents, friends and school staff attending the dinner, particularly after the disruption to lives and to school over the recent few years – it was very gratifying to be able to come together at the School for this event.

There was a clear recognition in the room that the things we value at SCEGGS require investment – the quality of education, the location, the inclusion. SCEGGS’ urban setting is part of who SCEGGS is – but its small footprint in the inner city means we need to make the most of every square metre of space. Our school fees fund a significant investment in teaching staff – but they can’t cover major capital investment or scholarships (and nor have they done so in the past). The generosity of past generations has helped build SCEGGS – both the physical environment and the community. It’s now our generation’s turn to help fund SCEGGS’ future.

The course of the evening was managed by the very entertaining Stuart Gregor (current Year 12 parent) in his role as MC. He was bold and hilarious, but also brilliant in reminding us of the importance of the project and, most importantly, of our capacity to support it. William Smart, the Wilkinson House project architect, walked parents through the exciting new plans for Wilkinson House, its homage to the original design and the sustainability features of the new building, including natural light and air flow.

Two ensembles from the SCEGGS Music Department, together with old girl, Zoe Vrachnas (2009), entertained the guests, while Lux Strings performed a number of works as guests arrived. We were also able to enjoy beautiful video presentations about the campaign, the history of philanthropy at SCEGGS and very amusing interviews of parent donors conducted by their daughters.

The goodwill and generosity of the SCEGGS community was evident in the exquisite French champagne and wines from parents Stephen and Phi Phi Turner, the delicious welcome Floradora cocktail and Negronis from Four Pillars principals and parents, Matt Jones and Rebecca Bourne Jones, the beer and water from Lewis Hotels and the generous and beautiful food from Kate and Mark White at Katering.

The spectacular lighting was supported by 32 Hundred Lighting (former parents Iain and Marea Reed). The well-crafted videos were provided with generous assistance and resources from Matt Jones and Jodi Matterson respectively. The flowers were sponsored by Mark the Florist. Marcia Machliss donated her graphic design skills.

There is no doubt that the evening would not have been the spectacular event it was without the professionalism and generosity of these wonderful businesses and people. Our heartfelt thanks to you.

The goodwill and common purpose felt throughout the evening embodied the spirit that we enjoy and celebrate as members of the SCEGGS community. Keeping the school at the forefront of education for young women, while also instilling an obligation to play a role in your community, to give of your best. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. There will be other opportunities to become involved in the campaign and we look forward to sharing the goals of Light Her Path and to, one day very soon, enjoying the fruits of all of our efforts.

Christy Boyce
Chair of the Captial Campaign Committee