The 22nd Annual RSPA Panther Ball is a “Roaring” Success

Three hundred and fifty guests, many dressed in 1920’s-era flapper dresses and long gowns, filled the ballrooms of the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch on Saturday, March 21, for the 22nd Annual RSPA Panther Ball. 

The elegant, black tie affair, themed “The Panther Club… An Evening of The Roaring Twenties” featured dinner and dancing with the band, Tim McLoone and the Shirleys, as well as silent and live auctions.  “Dame” Heather Rice and “Dame” Melissa Stevenson served as co-chairs of this year’s event, while “Dame” Sue Grosso served as the committee’s liaison to the RSPA.  

Throughout the evening, guests wandered through two enormous ballrooms, bidding on hundreds of items ranging from oil paintings, to spa gift certificates, to tickets to professional theater and sporting events.  As in year’s past, the silent auction included a special selection of “Panther Pride” items created exclusively by students and teachers.  From a cookie jar painted with the tiny handprints of Ranney’s youngest Beginners (3-year-old) class, to a colorful finger-painted lamp signed by the Fifth-grade class, every piece was something special.  Several Ranney teachers also got in on the act, offering to host pool parties, trips to the aquarium, outings to the beach and even a gourmet crepe breakfast.

The live auction, which took place immediately prior to dinner, featured a stunning 18-K gold white diamond cluster pendant necklace, vacation packages to Aspen, Disney World and the Caribbean island of St. Bart’s, a four-week internship on Wall Street, and the ever-popular “Headmaster for the Day.”  Two winning bids brought with them the opportunity for two children to wear the Headmaster’s blazer and “manage” Ranney School for the day.

Also at dinner, special recognition was given to Dr. Daniel Goldberg for his many years of service to the school, first as a member the Ranney Board of Trustees, and currently, as its president.  Head of School Dr. Lawrence S. Sykoff praised Dr. Goldberg for dedicating himself to making Ranney School a premier college preparatory institution. “His singular vision, passion for excellence and unwavering dedication to our school, inspired all of us to believe in his vision,” Dr. Sykoff stated. “We honor him tonight for all that he has done to secure Ranney’s future among the finest institutions in the region.”

Outgoing RSPA President Michele Karagianakis said the Panther Ball is the signature fundraising event of the Parent Association’s year. The money raised will support and reinforce Ranney School’s educational and social programs and professional development.