Newport (R.I.) July 12, 2016 — on the evening of Saturday, July 9, 670 supporters gathered for the 19th Annual IYRS Summer Gala, title sponsored by Condé Nast, Jaguar and Land Rover, State Street, and Prestige Family of Dealerships. IYRS supporters Posy & Charlie Dana, Kate & Jimmy Gubelmann, Anne & Matt Hamilton Barbara van Beuren & Steve Glascock, and Helene & Archie van Beuren served as 2016 Gala co-chairs. Generous sponsorship support, table/ ticket sales, and live and silent auctions made the event a tremendous success benefiting the world-class experiential school. IYRS teaches the art and science of making, building, restoring and maintaining, and in the process, helps its graduates build both careers and more meaningful lives – inspired by the knowledge that in their hands and through the use of technology, they have the power to build almost anything.
“This was a game changing weekend for IYRS. We broke ground on a new facility, the board of trustees endorsed plans to double enrollment and our annual party was an opportunity to reaffirm our direction to our new and closest friends.” Following the gala, Nathan noted the school’s 90%+ rate of job outcomes and the recognition by employers of IYRS graduates of their preparedness for the workplace.
The guests gathered in Restoration Hall for the cocktail reception and silent auction decked out in the Jewels and Jeans theme. Following a sit-down dinner, there was an energetic live and reverse auction conducted by C. Hugh Hildesley, senior auctioneer and 55-year veteran of Sotheby’s. Mr. Hildesley has conducted some of Sotheby’s most prestigious sales, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sale and the sale of the property of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The top-earning auction item of the evening was a miniature ship model by Donald McNarry. Other live-auction items included a private charter for eight on board 104-foot m/y Freedom in the Bahamas, a custom Three Golden Apples Carbon Fiber and Diamond Necklace, a Sail for 10 in the British Virgin Island on board a 52 foot Catamaran, a stay in a WIMCO oceanside villa in St. Barth’s during the St. Barth’s Bucket regatta with transportation provided by Tradewind Aviation, a private dinner for twelve with Chef Lou Rossi of Castle Hill Inn, and a signed guitar by Jackson Browne – the entertainer for the evening. Gala guests were also enthusiastic donors in a reverse auction for equipment, tools and technology, ensuring that students continue to have access to the state-of-the art equipment that is critical to their IYRS learning experience.
The evening was capped off with a solo performance by Jackson Browne that kept the guests “right on dancing” until the last song was played. Browne came with piano, electric and acoustic guitars.
This year’s Gala attracted a strong lineup of corporate sponsors. Joining title sponsors Condé Nast, Jaguar and Land Rover, the Prestige Family of Dealerships and State Street were Argo Group, Atlass Insurance, Boat International, Bluenose Yacht Sales/ Charter, Casey’s Marina, Castle Hill Inn, Chris Electronics, Dream Yacht Charters, Fox Hill Farm, Gowrie Group, Gustave White | Sotheby’s International Realty, Lemon & Line, Marc Allen, McMillen Yachts, National Illustration Museum, North Sails, Paolino Properties, Paul Weber Architect, Sean McVeigh Media, Sunbrella, Tradewind Aviation, Vintry Fine Wines, Washington Trust, and WIMCO Villas and Hotels.
IYRS provides world-class experiential education, preparing students to enter a global manufacturing workforce. IYRS teaches the art and science of making, building, restoring and maintaining, and in the process, helps its graduates build both careers and more meaningful lives – inspired by the knowledge that in their hands and through the use of technology, they have the power to build almost anything.
Make Anything Possible™
For more information, visit www.iyrs.edu