Issue Date: 11/16/09
Gala boasts record-breaking turnout 
Over $100,000 raised for students
By Kelley Foyt
Despite the rocky economy, there was a record-breaking turnout for the annual Palomar Black Tie Gala.
The Cabaret Nights-themed event raised money that will directly benefit Palomar students through scholarships and programs.
Nancy Chadwick, the president of the Palomar governing board, explained that the event is "the most important of the year, because every dime raised goes directly to the students."
"We couldn't give (the students) enough," Chadwick said. "It's all for the students."
"We easily exceeded $100,000 last night," said Rich Talmo, the executive director for the Palomar Foundation on Sunday. He said that they should close the final figures by Monday.
The evening began at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Rancho Bernardo Inn with drinks and a silent auction, which featured student artwork.
Next, guests were treated to a gourmet dinner alongside live entertainment. Mary Jabe opened the night by singing cabaret, and students from the Palomar dance program performed cabaret dances after her.
Following the entertainment, there were short videos about each of the Comet Awards recipients. After dinner, casinos were set up in the reception area.
There were 445 attendees at the event, according to Talmo. The team that put together the gala was a volunteer group consisting of 12 individuals. They wanted to create an event that was "fun, fast, and classy," Talmo said.
Palomar President Robert Deegan spoke on both the importance of Palomar's role in the community as well as the need for student funding.
"Eighty percent of college students pay their expenses. They're working and going to school and they need our assistance," Deegan said.
Robyn Quaco, a Palomar Foundation member, spoke about the two groups involved with the organization of the Black Tie Gala event. First, the Palomar Presidents Associates - an auxiliary of the foundation - hosts the event. Next, the foundation divides the money based on the needs of the students.
The Cabaret Nights-themed event raised money that will directly benefit Palomar students through scholarships and programs.
Nancy Chadwick, the president of the Palomar governing board, explained that the event is "the most important of the year, because every dime raised goes directly to the students."
"We couldn't give (the students) enough," Chadwick said. "It's all for the students."
"We easily exceeded $100,000 last night," said Rich Talmo, the executive director for the Palomar Foundation on Sunday. He said that they should close the final figures by Monday.
The evening began at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Rancho Bernardo Inn with drinks and a silent auction, which featured student artwork.
Next, guests were treated to a gourmet dinner alongside live entertainment. Mary Jabe opened the night by singing cabaret, and students from the Palomar dance program performed cabaret dances after her.
Following the entertainment, there were short videos about each of the Comet Awards recipients. After dinner, casinos were set up in the reception area.
There were 445 attendees at the event, according to Talmo. The team that put together the gala was a volunteer group consisting of 12 individuals. They wanted to create an event that was "fun, fast, and classy," Talmo said.
Palomar President Robert Deegan spoke on both the importance of Palomar's role in the community as well as the need for student funding.
"Eighty percent of college students pay their expenses. They're working and going to school and they need our assistance," Deegan said.
Robyn Quaco, a Palomar Foundation member, spoke about the two groups involved with the organization of the Black Tie Gala event. First, the Palomar Presidents Associates - an auxiliary of the foundation - hosts the event. Next, the foundation divides the money based on the needs of the students.
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