Schools

Ross Raises $600k at Annual Gala

Cyndi Lauper's performance helps raise big bucks for scholarship fund and programs.

The Ross School's 10th annual Live @ Club Starlight benefit was a smashing success, thanks in part to a performance from singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper, who just on Sunday became a Tony Award winner. 

The school, now its 21st year, raised $600,000 for programs and scholarships, including the Steven J. Ross Scholarship Fund, on June 1 at the East Hampton campus. The fund, established in 1991 at the school's inception by Ross and his wife Courtney Sale Ross, granted financial assistance to over 35 percent of students during the 2012–13 academic year. The lower school campus is located in Bridgehampton.

"Ross School was thrilled to welcome more than 160 Ross parents to the Gala, the largest turnout of parents in the event's history," said Gregg Maloberti, the Interim Head of School. "Ross parents and community members left the event feeling exhilarated by the experience of sharing Cyndi's performance with each other and excited for next year's Starlight," he said. "With a high bar now set, we at Ross are determined to make next year's Gala just as successful and memorable."

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Christie Brinkley, the model and a Ross parent, was the fundraiser's chairwoman. Lauper a Grammy Award-winning artist now receiving praise for the Broadway show "Kinky Boots," performed. She won a Tony award for best score. 

In addition to the dinner, a silent auction was held, including tickets to "Kinky Boots," a New York Knicks jersey signed by Carmelo Anthony, and five spin sessions at SoulCycle. A Live Auction included a dinner reservation at Rao’s Restaurant, four VIP tickets to the final day of the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open, and a four-hour cruise, an overnight stay on a 65-foot yacht, and two tickets to a 2013-14 Knicks game and a Pre-Game Ball Kid Experience.

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This article has been updated. Ross originally provided $700,000 as the figure raised. They have since said the amount is closer $600,000.


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