Paul Revere Invites Community to Support School Through Fundraising Online Auction

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

The Paul Revere Charter Middle School annual online auction is in progress and Pacific Palisades residents are invited to participate, as well as virtually attend a fundraiser on Saturday, February 20.

With more than 150 items to bid on—from gift cards and merchandise to a four-night stay at the Four Seasons in Maui—in a catalog that went live February 5, locals can win plenty while supporting the school through one of its largest fundraisers.

This year’s live virtual event is ’80s themed, and will be hosted by Paul Revere parents Jamee Natella and Paula Lewis. The two shadowed Sabrina Ishak last year in preparation for this year’s event.

“This year is going to be obviously particularly different … we had to reinvent ourselves and … create a virtual experience,” Natella said to the Palisadian-Post. “And we’re going back to the ’80s, we tried to incorporate funny lines and things people can relate with.”

The event, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will incorporate the auction, sponsorship opportunities, and live and pre-recorded content.

One of the main differences is the offering of VIP packages, which start at 6:30 p.m., that will be available to purchase ahead of the event, including a dinner package from Red Fish, a “happy hour” package to make up to 10 alcoholic beverages from Penny Pound Ice, a wine and cheese package from Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market, or a virtual, interactive experience with magician and mentalist Rmax Goodwin. The cut-off dates to purchase a VIP package are February 16 and 18.

Natella said another difference is families are invited to attend; whereas before, the fundraising event and gala was for adults only. She and Lewis said they wanted to focus on community building during a time where many are isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everybody misses being on campus,” Lewis shared. “The teachers miss the kids, the kids miss the teachers, the interaction, and we feel this event is more important than ever … we feel it’s a great opportunity to be together, even though it’s virtual, at least we can see each other.”

In the spirit of community building, Natella said a committee of 26 parents joined forces to put this year’s event together, delegating responsibilities. Lewis said this was special because although Paul Revere is in the Palisades, families came together from all different areas of Los Angeles.

“Our committee represents that … Jamee and I, we don’t live in the neighborhood either,” Lewis said to the Post. “People are going above and beyond to give to this community … ”

“And it’s worth it, our teachers and administration this year … have been exceptional,” Natella added.

Funds raised will support a number of school programs and renovations, including Paul Revere’s agriculture program, theater program, a student-designed mural and more.

Last year’s event, which was attended by nearly 300 people, raised close to $85,000 for the school through live and silent auctions.

As the Post went to print Tuesday evening, Paul Revere had raised more than $8,700 of its $100,000 goal.

For more information or to register, visit paulreverems.com/Auction.