SAAS in the City 2023: Community, Celebration and $1M Raised for Financial Aid

Written By: Gena Wynkoop, Editorial Content Manager

Oh, what a night! An evening of soulful vocals, dynamic performances and a few trips (or should we say laps) down Seattle Academy’s memory lane ended on a high note, raising $1 million (and counting) for SAAS’ financial aid program!

SAAS in the City is the school’s annual community gathering and fundraiser to support financial aid and access for every student. This year, on Saturday, March 25th, over 550 guests including current and new parents, alumni, trustees, honorary trustees, SAAS faculty, staff and over 150 student performers, gathered at Fremont Studios for a beautiful night of celebration and collective impact! From raffle tickets to paddle raises, our generous SAAS community raised over $1 million for the financial aid program which ensures that each SAAS student, regardless of socioeconomic background, can benefit from the full SAAS experience.

“We are here tonight for community,” said Rob Phillips, Head of School. “We are here tonight for all of the ways that we express access, opportunity and potential for all of our students [and this is done] concretely through financial aid.”

The evening program, kicked off by SAAS Board Chair, Matt Echohawk-Hayashi, included seven inspirational alumni speakers who span three decades of graduating classes. Guests also enjoyed performances by Jazz Ensemble I, the Middle School Musical, Advanced Music Production, Middle School Dance Project & Advanced Dance, and The Onions. In addition, nine alumni joined both Upper and Middle School students for a top-notch Cardinal Choir performance of their rendition of “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” It blew all of us away.

The success of SAAS in the City is a result of the tremendous effort and countless hours put in by parent volunteers, student performers, SAAS faculty and staff. Thank you to the event co-chairs Deena McCloskey (McKenzie ’23) and Charlotte Simmonds (Natalie ’27) who helped make this event incredibly special this year!

We are also grateful to our raffle donors Andy and Mary Lytle, and Laura Glass, plus our generous SAAS in the City sponsors who helped underwrite this event: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Mindful Therapy Group, BNBuilders, Seneca Group, Aircare International, HomeStreet Bank, Krekow Jennings, AirReps, iSpot.TV, Pastakia Real Estate Development, Kamila Kennedy Homes and A&A Limousine and Bus Services. 

Thank you to our SAAS community for making this event an amazing success and ensuring access and inclusion for all of our students and families. 

Want to contribute to financial aid? There’s still time to show your support by making a gift that impacts SAAS students and their families.

DONATE NOW

  View more SAAS in the City 2023 photos here.    View the full program recording here.