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Welcome to

To benefit the students, faculty and staff of The Harley School

BLAST! Gala
March 23, 2024
6 to 11 pm
The Linc

Every dollar we raise touches every aspect of a Harley education.

Joy In Learning

Diverse Community

Academic Excellence

Mental and Physical Wellness

Sustainability

Event Timeline

6:00 

Hors d’Oeuvres, Food Stations, and Open Bar

Check Out the Raffles and Get “Facebook-Worthy” Pics @ the Hype Booth

7:00

Welcome & Acknowledgements

Live Auction

Paddle Raise

9:00 

Dessert & Dancing begins with Our Friends from Uptown Groove

11:00 

Event Close

Preview tonight’s live aution items

HERE

Thank you to our sponsors and underwriters!

Thank You to Our Diamond Sponsor
Thank You to Our Platinum Sponsor
Thank You to Our Gold Sponsors
Thank You to Our Underwriter for Faculty and Staff Seats
Thank You to Our Silver Sponsors
Thank You to Our Bronze Sponsors

Gift-in-Kind: One Hour of Open Bar Generously Donated by

Gift-in-Kind: Beer Generously Provided by

The KOHL Family

Tonight we honor our Harley Life of Purpose Awardees

The Life of Purpose Award, formerly known as the Lives of Great Purpose Award, was established in 2018. This wonderful recognition aims to shine a spotlight on incredible Harley graduates who truly embody the essence of Harley’s mission: to lead lives filled with genuine purpose and joy, while also making a positive impact on the lives of those around them. Whether it’s in their career, volunteer work, or any other personal pursuit, we celebrate it all. From the arts and social activism to teaching, science, law, business, journalism, and beyond—there are no limits to the incredible paths that lead to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Life of Purpose Young Alumni Winner 2024
Kristina Benjamin ’15
Nominated by Kay Benjamin, P ’09, ’15, ’15

Kristina became a scholar-athlete at the University of Dayton where she played tennis and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Human Rights Studies. As a student, she helped implement initiatives for fellow athletes, focusing on self-care and mental health. She also participated in a program abroad, visiting local elementary schools to teach them about human rights.

 After college, she participated in several internships in Washington D.C., including the Congressional Hunger Center and Food Reach and Action Center. Kristina then continued her work by specializing in federal advocacy regarding issues affecting young women and girls at Girls Inc. Currently, Kristina works as a special assistant in the United States Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

 

Life of Purpose Alumni Winner 2024
Darcy Kimmet Koreen ’92
Nominated by Jennifer Rubenstein ’92

Darcy attended Colgate University for a Bachelor’s degree and continued her studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Throughout her professional career, she has been dedicated to public social services, particularly in the realm of child protection.

She commenced her career at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto as a social worker, focusing on children living in foster care and group homes. Currently, she serves as an Adolescent Team Supervisor for the largest board-run child protection agency in North America. She has actively collaborated on various initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as anti-Black racism, suicide prevention, and the development of innovative care models for children unable to reside at home.

Darcy played a pivotal role in co-creating, developing, and implementing a province-wide family information-sharing system. Additionally, she has authored policies, conducted training sessions, and provided mentorship to her colleagues, emphasizing child-centered interventions. Her unwavering advocacy for the children under her protection in Toronto is exemplary.

Darcy is the daughter of former Head of the Lower School, Pam Kimmet!

 

Thank you to our emcees for this evening

Joe Ellis P ‘21, ‘23

Joe has been a pillar of the Harley community for nearly two decades. He’s also a proud Harley dad of alumni Zach ’21 and Max ’23. Joe has chaired BLAST! twice and co-chaired the Harley Centennial celebration.

Beyond Harley, Joe works in the wine and hospitality industry. He and his wife, Deb, are now empty nesters who indulge their adventurous spirits with travel whenever they can.

Chris D’Orso

Chris is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Advancement at RIT. You may have caught his emceeing skills in action at galas for the Bivona Child Advocacy Center, American Red Cross, Hope Hall School, Harbor House of Rochester, Alzheimer’s Association, and First Unitarian Church of Rochester. 

He’s an openly genderfluid Mets fan with a passion for baseball cards and hosting Monday night trivia at Rising Storm Brewing Company. Oh, and don’t underestimate him—Chris has been on ‘Jeopardy!’, though he still laments the loss.

Raffle Items

Raffle Item #1 2024 Rochester Commemorative Eclipse Artwork

Rochester artist Beth Bailey of NeoPaletteArt and Rochester’s Eclipse Task Force captures the eclipse’s beauty in art.

Value: $75

Donated by: Beth Bailey, P 23, 26

Raffle Item # 2 Dining Hall Director for a Day

Create your favorite lunch and snack menu with Dining Hall Director, Vicki Pasternak. 

Value: Priceless

Donated by: Vicki Pasternak, P ’99

Raffle Item # 3 Win an Epic Eclipse Prize Pack

Everything you need to watch and remember the eclipse in style! 

Value: $250

Donated by: Rochester Museum & Science Center and artist Beth Bailey of NeoPaletteArt.

Raffle Item # 4 The Total Winner’s Package

Entry into each raffle we’re holding during BLAST!

Cost: $75/three raffle tickets

Thank you for your support!

We look forward to seeing you next year at Silent Auction, Silent Disco and BLAST!

The Harley School

1981 Clover Street
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 442-1770

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©2023 The Harley School