Parkland School District Education Foundation held its first gala and silent auction this spring to a sold out crowd of 400 at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, Fogelsville.

The event was attended by volunteers to the school district, residents, invited guests and Parkland teachers and administrators present and past.

The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring entertainment provided by the Parkland High School Serenata Strolling Strings.

Words of welcome were given by emcee Mike Zambelli, sports director with Service Electric Cable, followed by Parkland alumna Morgan Reilly performing a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the PHS Trojan Marching Band performing a March Grandioso.

Parkland School District Education Foundation President Buddy Lesavoy made introductory remarks before attendees enjoyed a full course dinner.

During the evening, a silent auction was held on both sides of the ballroom and guests could submit written bids on desired items. Jon Pfeiffer conducted an actual live auction of items donated for the event.

During the dinner, the foundation honored eight Parkland alumni: William D. George II, '52, Donna Steckel, '71, David M. Jaindl '74, Thomas Anthony Salvaggio, '85, Patricia Risley, '85, Dr. Wayne J. Saunders, DMD, '88, Michaela Conlin, '96 and Tim Massaquoi, '01.

Each of those selected will have their names on the wall of honor at the entrance of Parkland High School.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Kevin Reilly, former NFL player, who spoke of overcoming a rare tumor from scar tissue called desmoids and having his left arm amputated.

Today, Reilly is a broadcaster for the Philadelphia Eagles

Parkland School District Education Foundation is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization whose primary goal is to raise funds to promote, enhance and supplement the educational and co-curricular programs of students and staff in the Parkland School District to preserve a tradition of excellence.

For more information visit parklandsd.org/foundation.

The gala raised approximately $65,000 to support school programs.