Montecito Union School Foundation Annual Gala

The Montecito Union School Foundation (MUSF) held its annual fundraiser gala at the Rosewood Miramar Resort on Friday, May 1. The guests arrived in the gala theme of “An Evening in Olympia,” women arriving in stunning gowns adorned with a gold floral headpiece, men arriving in suits topped with a toga scarf and Caesar-head piece. 

At the reception in the garden patio, everyone was upbeat and ready to fund the school as they bid on the silent auction items, joined a raffle, and geared up for the live auction – the prized item being a chance for their child to be “Principal of the Day” with MUS Principal Nick Bruski. The event was sold out.

The Event Co-Chairs were Casey Kallenbach and Mally Chakola. This is Chakola’s last year as a gala chair. Their event committee members were Naomi Yamada, Kendle Evans, Tanya Newlove, Natalie Mutz, Lindsay Parton, Saba Riley, Emily Grant, Taylor Kwok, Blaine May, Joy Perry, and Elisabeth Crain. Technical support was provided by Ben Hyatt.

Following the reception, the dinner program commenced in the grand ballroom. I was delighted to be seated next to MUS Superintendent Anthony Ranii, along with his wife Lindsey; also at our table was MUS Assistant Principal Rusty Ito and MUS faculty.

Returning again this year as auctioneer was MUS parent Tim Morton-Smith. He had an opening comedy spin that garnered much laughter, saying, “I put MUS into chat GPT, and it said the following, MUS doesn’t prepare you for the real world, it prepares the real world to adjust to you.” Through his concerted efforts, jokes, and audibly fraying voice towards the end of the auction, he raised over $200K via the live auction items and The Ask. 

Program remarks included those of the co-chairs and MUSF Board president. Kallenbach thanked the event committee, event sponsors, and key supporters, along with acknowledgements to the MUS faculty and staff. Chakola talked about it being an evening in Olympia to celebrate the accomplishments of the MUSF funding received thus far – “Your incredible generosity helped to refinish the track and create a play station.” She then introduced MUSF Board President Kendle Evans and Vice President Carolyn Fitzgerald. They shared, “Thank you, your support is nothing short of incredible, and the Mustang Fund reached a record. We listened to you, and for fall 2026 we are supporting as follows: we are bringing back the professional development days for the MUS teachers for the next three years; grades 4, 5, and 6 for the farm horse trip; and all the programming that we have always supported, so artists in residency, Sowah drumming residency, Diversity Club, Book Lab, the MUS Carnival and more. All the funds received go directly to your kids and the MUS teachers and staff.”

I asked MUS Superintendent Anthony Raniifor his statement post event via email. He wrote, “I am simply blown away by the generosity of this community. Under Casey and Mally’s leadership, this year’s event was elegant, fun, and successful, resulting in generous contributions to MUSF to sustain treasured programs at our school. MUSF has been such a stalwart partner this year, and our students are the lucky beneficiaries. I want to thank Casey, Mally, and everyone who contributed to this year’s successful Gala!”

Attendees included the MUSF Board members, parents of MUS students, and local supporters of the school. The MUS faculty were gifted free tickets to attend, and many did. I was informed that Music Specialist Pamela Herzog announced her retirement to the school, effective end of this school year. Herzog attended MUS while Pam McClendon was the music director. Herzog went on to complete her graduate music studies graduating cum laude from Westmont College in 1990 and returned teach at MUS in 2012 when McClendon retired after her 41 years at MUS. Herzog’s retirement follows that of her longstanding colleague at MUS, Music Specialist Ron Zecher who retired last year after 30 years. 

Event music was by DJ Gavin Roy, and the after party featured dancing to DJ Samantha Ronson. 

This annual gala supports the MUSF mission, “…to enhance academic, athletic and arts programs, enrich the student experience with technology, curriculum, and improved classroom resources, and elevate our teachers through professional development and continuing education.” Donations can also be made via their website to the Mustang Fund.

411: www.musfoundation.com