BCE’s 2026 Soirée is a Rootin’-Tootin’ Success
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 8
A sold-out crowd, spirited bidding, and a whole lot of heart helped this year’s Soirée raise almost $300k for Burlingame public schools.
BCE’s Saddle Up Soirée brought a sold-out crowd of over 250 guests together on March 21, 2026 for a lively celebration at CuriOdyssey’s Redwood Room. The evening combined country chic style with high-energy fun, as parents, educators, and community members gathered to support Burlingame public schools. Guests enjoyed a festive night of cocktails, music, spirited bidding, and dancing, all while raising an incredible $295,000 through the live auction, online auction, and Fund-a-Dream. The result was a joyful, community-driven evening that showcased the generosity of Burlingame.
From the moment guests stepped into the Redwood Room, the Saddle Up Soirée delivered on its promise of western charm with a vibrant, elevated twist. Warm, rustic details were paired with playful touches like neon lighting, cowboy-inspired décor, and boot-and-hat centerpieces. Together it all set the tone for an evening that felt both stylish and inviting. During the cocktail hour and strolling dinner, attendees fully embraced the theme, showing off their best glam western looks and greeting one another with cheerful “Howdy, partner!” and “Yeehaw!”
“The theme was thoughtfully and beautifully threaded into all elements of the night,” shared BIS Co-Site Director Carmen Petrossian. “From the chic cowgirl and cowboy details to the live music and line dancing, the Soirée gave the crowd a break from everyday life and brought the community together for our important cause.” That sense of escape and connection carried throughout the evening, with unique treats like the Bacchus Wine-sponsored Whiskey Wagon adding a one-of-a-kind touch to the experience.
“It was clear there was a real buzz leading up to the event, with tickets selling out weeks ahead of time, and that excitement translated into an incredible atmosphere!” - BCE Development and Events Manager Brigitte Dean
As the night unfolded, the energy only grew. Whether guests were catching up with friends, raising a paddle during the auction, or dancing under the lights, the party struck the perfect balance of fun and purpose.
BCE Co-President Pooja Shah reflected on the evening, "The BCE Soiree was pure magic. From the unforgettable theme to a community that showed up with such generosity and heart, the night was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. We not only exceeded our fundraising goals, we celebrated the incredible impact we make for our students every day. And most meaningfully, we had the chance to honor Co-President, Jen Faber, for four years of tireless leadership and lasting impact on BCE. It was a truly special night in every way.”
It Takes a Village to Have this Much Fun
The Saddle Up Soirée was a true reflection of what makes the Burlingame community so special. People didn’t just show up to attend. They showed up to make the night happen! From set up to entertainment to interactive experiences, so many elements of the evening were brought to life by parents, local businesses, and community groups who generously shared their time and talents. More than 30 individual volunteers gave their time to work the event for the evening.
Music played a central role in the energy, with not one but two live bands keeping the celebration going. The Washington Elementary Dads Club band, the WildDads, joined by surprise guest René Canto-Adams, kicked things off and frequent public education supporters Electric Rodeo kept the dance floor packed well into the night. Guests also enjoyed creative, community-driven touches like the “Lasso the Vino” wine game, sponsored by Lux Wines and Davis Vineyards, which added a fun and interactive twist to the experience.
The evening was made possible through the generous support of BCE’s sponsors and partners. Title Sponsor Disen Cai returned this year and made an especially meaningful impact, opening the Fund-a-Dream with a remarkable gift just weeks after welcoming a new baby to his family. Longtime supporters All Natural Stone provided handy goodie bags, while Donor Boom and many others played key roles in bringing the event to life. Together, these contributions highlight the depth of support for Burlingame schools.
“This year’s Soirée really showed how much this event has evolved into something the community feels ownership over,” said BCE Development and Events Manager Brigitte Dean. “We’re seeing more people jump in to help shape the experience, whether that’s through hosting, performing, or supporting in creative ways. That kind of engagement brings a whole new level of energy to the annual tradition.”
Saddle Up and Paddle Up!
One of the most electric parts of the evening was the live auction, where excitement and generosity went hand in hand. Guests filled two floors of bidding, creating fast-paced fun. Fan-favorite packages drew enthusiastic competition, including a Warriors suite for the 2026–27 season donated by Stanford Hotels, which brought in an impressive $17,000, as well as unforgettable experiences like a VIP Yacht Rock night at Filoli Gardens with Mustache Harbor, and a backstage Nashville getaway that perfectly tied into the evening’s Saddle Up theme. Auctioneer Keith McClane kept the crowd engaged and entertained, striking just the right balance of humor and momentum to keep laughs coming and paddles raising.
“We had a great mix of auction items,” said BCE Executive Director Meredith Dunn. “From kicking things off with the COUP Jeroboam at Your Table and the Warriors suite, to bringing our Saddle Up theme to life with experiences like the Nashville trip and rare Old Rip Van Winkle bourbon, there was something for everyone. But the real magic was our Fund-a-Dream.” That moment became the emotional centerpiece of the night. As the video featuring Burlingame teachers played, the room grew still, the only quiet moment in an otherwise buzzing evening, as guests were reminded of the real impact behind their support.
When the auctioneer called for Fund-a-Dream pledges, the energy shifted from celebration to collective purpose. Title Sponsor Disen Cai set the tone with a remarkable gift, sparking a wave of generosity across the room. Paddle after paddle went up at every level, building to one of the most successful Fund-a-Dream efforts in recent years, raising approximately $180,000. It was an inspiring reminder that while the auction brought the fun, the heart of the evening was the shared investment in our schools and the future of every child.
The Posse behind the Party
Behind the scenes, the Saddle Up Soirée was powered by an incredible team of volunteers whose creativity and energy turned the evening into not just a meaningful fundraiser, but a can’t-miss celebration. Co-chairs Davina Chall and Vidya Nathu led the charge, bringing their extensive PTA experience from Washington and Lincoln Elementary schools and teaming up for the first time on this event. Together, they infused every detail with a sense of fun and flair, creating a gleeful night that had guests laughing, dancing, and fully embracing the spirit of the evening. Their leadership made the Soirée feel as joyful as it was impactful, and a true highlight of the year for the BCE community!
“The ambiance was exactly what we envisioned and I loved seeing how everyone embraced the theme with so much style! Most importantly, our community was super generous during the live auction. Seeing that level of support for the BCE Foundation made every moment of executing this vision worth it!” - Co-VP of Events Davina Chall
A special thank you goes to Auction Chair Lisa Friedman, whose work behind the scenes played a critical role in the evening’s success. From securing packages like the Warriors suite and Pickleball Party to shaping the live auction experience, her efforts had a direct and meaningful impact on the funds raised for Burlingame students. The event’s distinctive look and feel were equally memorable, thanks to the creativity of designers Emily Larson and Conria D’Souza, both parents in the community. Their work brought the Saddle Up theme to life in a way that felt cohesive, fun, and uniquely BCE.
Another important thank you goes to Burlingame High School students Henry Gardener, Sonia Shin, Ashlynn Wong, and Alisa Ching for creating the evening’s Fund-a-Dream video. Their thoughtful and moving piece helped connect guests to the real impact of their contributions, illustrating why BCE’s work matters so deeply. The video is an unforgettable reminder of the power of student voice in bringing our community together. Ellen of Ellobelle Photography captured the fun and energy of our BCE Soirée celebration. As a Peninsula family photographer specializing in heartfelt, joy-filled moments, we’re so grateful she was there to document this special evening.
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and every guest who showed up ready to celebrate, connect, and support our schools. Because of you, BCE can continue to fund the programs that enrich every student’s experience, from music and PE to world language and classroom support. If you weren’t able to join us this year, it’s not too late to be part of the impact. You can make a donation anytime at bcefoundation.org/donate, and help keep these vital programs strong for all Burlingame students. We hope you’ll dust off your boots and ride along with us next year, whether as a guest, volunteer, or donor. Together, we’re building something truly special for our schools and our community!
Thank you to our Soirée Title Sponsor
