On a Saturday night at the end of April, the Royal Pride Foundation (RPF) hosted its annual benefit, The Royal Garden Party, at the charming Santa Barbara Club in downtown Santa Barbara. More than 250 parents, alumni, teachers, coaches, and supporters of San Marcos High School dressed up for a sweet and elegant evening with a beautiful purpose: raising funds to improve the educational experience for all Royals.
As guests arrived, they were greeted with a sparkling beverage and welcomed by the soothing sounds of student musicians playing violin and piano. The Santa Barbara Club provided an intimate and festive atm
osphere, with the event committee transforming the venue with floral arrangements, refined table settings, and a lively energy that filled the night. Complimentary wine, generously donated by Kunin Wines, flowed throughout the evening, paired with a delicious sit-down dinner.
The event was emceed by Andrew Firestone, adding a touch of local star power and charm to the program. Sophomore Naomi Jane Voigt, the recent winner of the Santa Barbara Teen Star competition, gave a moving vocal performance while a slideshow of SMHS memories played—showcasing the spirit of Royals through images from sports games, performances, and campus life. Violinists and sisters, junior Adelaide Smiley and freshman Jane Smiley, performed beautifully while wearing matching flower crowns, bringing a whimsical and heartfelt vibe to the night.
One of the most powerful moments came when the Forever Royal Award was presented to SMHS Class of 1977 alumna Jody Dolan Holehouse and her late husband Tom Holehouse. The couple, among the founding supporters of the Royal Pride Foundation, were honored for their decades-long commitment to San Marcos. “The Forever Royal Award is awarded to an individual or couple who consistently show their dedication, support and Royal pride for San Marcos High School and RPF’s mission to provide an exceptional learning environment for all students,” said Karen Callanan, the RPF President.
In a surprise and emotional twist, RPF Board President Julie Strand was awarded the first-ever Royal Pride Inspiration Award in recognition of her vision, passion, and tireless dedication to the school and its community.
The benefit would not have run so smoothly without the many volunteers who brought it to life. Students from ASB helped behind the scenes, making sure everything went according to plan, and countless parents contributed their time and energy. Co-chairs Dani Macaluso and Misha Cooper led the charge with grace and determination, helping the foundation exceed their fundraising goal of $100,000.
“Being able to print the newspaper has given me the opportunity to learn more about how to be a good journalist and how to design a newspaper,” said The King’s Page Editor-in-Chief, Aurora Ivanova.
Every year, the money raised at the benefit is distributed across a variety of programs at San Marcos. Last year, RPF helped fund the upgrade to Warkentin Stadium’s sound system, the planting of trees and shrubs in the “A Lot” roundabout, and the painting of the “The Future is Ours” mural that now brightens our campus. RPF typically allocates around $30,000 per program area to support initiatives like classroom technology upgrades, teacher and staff appreciation lunches, student transportation, and for the past three years, printing the King’s Page newspaper.
“As a public school, we serve ALL kids from our community, and Santa Barbara has a large population of struggling families who especially need our support,” said SMHS Principal Dare Holdren. “Regardless of financial status, our goal is to provide an excellent educational experience for every one of our students and set them up for success after high school. The Royal Pride Foundation helps us do this, and that is why the benefit is so important.”
Founded in 2013, the Royal Pride Foundation has now invested over $4 million into SMHS programs and campus improvements. As a certified 501(c)(3), all donations are tax-deductible and directly support the mission of creating a thriving school environment where every student feels seen, supported, and set up to succeed.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Royal Garden Party was more than just a night of dinner and dancing—it was a celebration of the Royal spirit and a show of support for the future of San Marcos High School.
We look forward to seeing how the funds raised this year will transform our school, and we thank everyone who played a role in making this special night one to remember.
