A Night Worth Celebrating

Every other year, Sandia Prep hosts its spring gala, Noche de Celebración, the School’s
most profitable fundraising event of its kind.

Noche de Celebración includes a live auction, a silent auction, and a direct appeal—all in an effort to fundraise for enrichment programs, capital improvements, and other needed resources at the school.

This year’s gala was themed “A Tribute to Leadership” and the attendees’ enthusiasm was palpable. Families, alumni, and Prep community members were bidding a fond farewell to outgoing Head of School Bill Sinfield and introducing themselves to incoming Head of School Heather Mock. Various examples of student leadership were also celebrated. It was the first time in four years that the crowd of Prep admirers could come together in person for the occasion.

Sandia Resort & Casino housed the event and spirited attendees sported the encouraged plaid-laden attire, from kilts to shawls to dress coats and dresses. Retired veteran news anchor and New Mexico rancher Sam Donaldson came through and a cavalcade of Prep’s talented and poised students were invited to share their stories and the stage with the guests throughout the evening. When it was time for the auction, the bidding was both competitive and amusing at once.

The Prep community raised $156,000 for
student leadership programs and the Prep experience.

Prep’s development team attributes the event’s success to the attendees’ great enthusiasm, a host of generous sponsors, and a planning committee that wished to thank Bill for the past seven years while also look toward the future success of Prep’s teachers, students, and broader community. The nearly 400 guests gathering that cool April night raised $156,000 for student leadership programs and the Prep experience.