Ann V. Klotz and Beth Embrescia

More than 400 people turned out in support of Laurel School for its 12th annual Gator Bash entitled “Around the World.”

Presented at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, the evening featured a live and silent auction, a $10,000 tuition raffle and a Call to the Heart, which raised money for the Laurel Center for Research on Girls that is marking its 10-year anniversary. Money raised will fund more students and teacher-led programming as well as a speaker series. Young alums from the school spoke that evening about their experience at Laurel and how they benefited from LCRG.

Shi La Massey and Kim Simpson

Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, food stations from Around the World, dessert in the grand ballroom and musical entertainment provided by the Avenue. The theme was also carried out in the donations to the silent auction from Laurel alumnae who live in different parts of the world.

Jason and Meagan Cross

The evening’s guests included many Laurel alumnae, as well as faculty and staff from the school, which serves girls preschool through 12th grade. Presenting sponsor was McGowan Insurance and the event was chaired by Jakki Nance, who worked alongside co-chairs, Amy Hatem, Katerina MacGregor, Susan Kramer and Kimberly Dailey. They were assisted by a volunteer committee and grade ambassadors.

Amitabh and Nandini Goel

A private school for girls founded in 1896, Laurel School has two campuses, the Lyman campus in Shaker Heights and the Butler campus in Russell Township. Laurel is a nationally recognized college preparatory school with an enrollment of over 600. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUE REID

Adam Steinberg and Abbey Jones