Join the Fundraiser Gala Team
Our gala gets bigger and better every year—and that’s thanks to volunteers like you. Whether you’ve got big ideas, helpful connections, or just a little time to pitch in, we’d love to have you on the team.
Planning is genuinely fun (really!), and every bit of help makes a difference—from securing an auction item to helping with setup to brainstorming fresh ideas. It’s a great way to get involved at Harvard—whether you’re new or one of the many who return to help year after year.
Join us and be part of the magic. We appreciate you!
2025-26 Fundraiser Committee
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Lisa Riley
GALA CHAIR + MARKETING CHAIR
gala@harvardelementarypta.org -
Helen Lee & Sam Krenz
SILENT AUCTION CHAIRS
auction@harvardelementarypta.org -
Toodie Larson
SOCIALS CHAIR
socials@harvardelementarypta.org -
Pam Bell
TREASURER & AUCTION COORDINATOR
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Rachana Sanghani, Heather Cienfuegos, & Jennifer Santiago
LIVE AUCTION CHAIRS
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Carrie Rosas & Laura Wilcox
EVENT & DECOR COORDINATORS
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Sonia Verhagen
SPONSORSHIP CHAIR
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Bridget Kushiyama
GRADE LEVEL EXPERIENCES CHAIR
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Megan Freeman
SCHOOL COORDINATOR CHAIR
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Casi Contreras
FOOD CHAIR
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Holly Holman & Leah DiMascio
BEVERAGE CHAIRS
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Meaghan Grass & Allison Kaiser
WINE PULL CHAIRS
2021-2022 HARVARD COLOR BALL Fundraiser Team
The most fun you can have while planning the best and most colorful auction fundraiser ever!
(Many members not shown)
2024-2025 PREPARE TO BE AMAZED Gala Fundraiser Team
Everyone was amazed at this gala team’s most successful Harvard fundraiser yet!
(Many members not shown)
2020-2021 SUPER Harvard Fundraiser Core Team
Only the best can plan a successful Covid-safe virtual fundraiser in the middle of a pandemic!
Only the best can imagine the future and the biggest and most successful gala!
(Many members not shown)
2022-2023 HES Fundraiser Team
The biggest fundraiser team ever gave it all to give HES what it wants!
(Many members not shown)
2023-2024 Imagine the Future Gala Fundraiser Team
Fundraiser Roles & Sub-Committees
Gala Chair
Leads the fundraiser ship — recruiting volunteers, coordinating with the PTA and school, planning meetings, and steering all operations leading up to (and on) the big event day.
Event Coordinator/
DECOR & Logistics ChairS
Helps bring the fundraiser gala to life — booking vendors, entertainment, and staff, coordinating the venue layout, planning and executing décor, and making sure everything comes together smoothly. Committee members also help with décor prep, event setup, and post-event breakdown.
School Liaison Coordinator
Keeps the Harvard events running smoothly by teaming up with school admin, rounding up auction items and supplies, and making sure everyone remembers what’s coming up — the go-to organizer for all things school-related!
Marketing Chair
Spreads the word about the fundraiser across the Harvard community through social media and print. Designs, writes, and coordinates production of all promotional materials, working with the team, VP of Communications, and school administration. Ideal for anyone with a flair for graphic design or marketing. Committee members help write, edit, and promote the event.
Silent Auction Chairs
Oversees the collection, assembly, and storage of auction items from local businesses, Harvard families, and grade levels. Manages data entry in the auction software, sets up items at the event, and coordinates pickups afterward. Ideal for organized, social volunteers (or a small team!). Committee members help reach out to friends, families, and local businesses to secure items.
Socials Chair
Dreams up unique, ticketed social events for Harvard families and lines up hosts — from families and staff to community members. Past hits include Bowling with Teachers, Movie Night, 2nd Grade Pizza Party, Kinder Campout, Bad Moms Game Night, Bingo Night, Bikes & Brews, and more!
Grade Level Experience Basket Chair
You’ll team up with six amazing grade reps to create standout auction baskets! You’ll help each rep pick a unique theme, make sure every basket has broad appeal and great value, get themes approved by the Fundraiser Committee, and gather final details for the auction (grade reps handle the online submission).
Sponsorship Chair
Secures major donations from local businesses and companies, creating sponsorship packages with perks like advertising, naming rights, and event tickets. Committee members help rally friends, family, and community contacts to bring in additional sponsorships.
Food Chair
Rounds up delicious donations from local restaurants and businesses and coordinates all the logistics with them and the servers on event day.
Beverage Chair
Secures both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink donations from local restaurants and businesses, coordinates all logistics with them and the servers on event day, and helps create and feature the event’s signature cocktail.
Wine Pull Chair
Rounds up wine donations through vendors, special wine bar events, or direct contributions for the wine pull, and handles setup on event day.
AUCTION COORDINATOR / Treasurer
An Excel wiz who knows the auction software inside and out — handling ticket sales, bids, closeout, and reports — while keeping a sharp eye on spending and budget.
Live Auction Chair
Leads the collection and setup of live and Big Board auction items, coordinates data entry and marketing, and works with the auctioneer and volunteers to make sure everything runs smoothly leading up to the event.