More than five hundred parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, faculty and friends made an elegant return to campus for the Patriots’ Gala and Belfry Bash on Saturday, May 1. 

The attendees, awash in their formal best Red, Black and Blue, were treated to cocktails and hors d’hoeuvres beneath the now iconic 250 ^th logo in the nattily appointed Dining Hall.  A fabulous dinner and program was to follow in the remarkably transformed Field House.

During the dinner program, the GA community was entertained by the quick wit of Tim Stack ’73.   As the master of ceremonies, he led the guests through the evening by introducing several recorded clips of GA history, and some star-studded birthday wishes from celebrities such as Bradley Cooper ’93, Ryan Seacrest, Jon Bon Jovi, Chase Utley, and Governor Ed Rendell.  A shortened version of the parting gift, so elegantly displayed on the tables in the signature red, black and blue wrapping paper was shared as just a small snapshot of the GA tale told in a beautifully produced historical documentary created by our very own Gaby Russomagno, Dainis Roman, K. Richardson, Jim Wade and Elisabeth Harris '96. 

The evening also recognized the growing success of the upcoming campaign and building initiatives featuring a fun, yet heartfelt, “performance” by Campaign Co-Chairs Judi Goodman 1760 and Jeffrey Honickman ’75.  As Judi remarked about the need for our community to focus on the GA of “tomorrow,” guests were treated to a live performance of the song “Tomorrow” by Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original “Annie.”  Ms. McArdle was backed by singers from the Middle School Trebus and Upper School Patriot Select.  It was a truly memorable treat for everyone. 

Guests from both the Patriots' Gala and Belfry Bash were led outside to the Quad for a moving lighting of the Belfry and ringing of the historic bell followed by a stellar display of fireworks.  The celebration then continued on into the night as the Belfry Bash continued with dessert, drinks and A LOT of dancing!