By Holly Jackson

Contributing Writer

The global influences of One World Theatre were an appropriate setting for the recent Noche de Gala that benefited the Magellan International School.

More than 195 supporters attended this inaugural fundraiser to celebrate the culmination of the school’s founding first year. Westbankers Jeff and Gail Kodosky were the event sponsors.

Partygoers enjoyed a festive cocktail reception and tasty tapas on the breezy terrace while listening to Brazilian and Latin American inspired songs by musician Susanna Sharpe. Student Anishka Vogle gave an enlivening performance. After the buffet dinner catered by Word of Mouth, parent Roy Nieto emceed the exciting evening.

Auctioneer Victoria Gutierrez led the extensive live auction of 38 packages. The largest items were trips around the globe. Head of School Marisa Leon bought a top-rated condominium stay anywhere worldwide for $3,600, Laura Kodosky Walterman won a week at the Residenza Mansi in Tuscany for $4,900, and Duane Tharp purchased a villa vacation in Bali for $5,500.

Later inside the theater, the Sprung band played a variety of hits from the 1960s to present. A surprise fireworks display brought the spirited night to a close. The 2011 party will be on April 8 at the Renaissance Hotel.

Proceeds generated $80,000.

“The gala was not only a major success, generating nearly three times per student what established independent schools normally raise at similar fundraisers, but also demonstrated our community’s commitment to a new era of international and multilingual education that children and the nation need to succeed in the 21st century,” founder and board president Erin DeFosse said.

The Magellan International School offers a multicultural curriculum and overall philosophy that provides the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of cultures from around the world, which is necessary in this age of globalization. The school, which includes pre-primary through second grade, teaches language immersion that enables children to become bi-literate in English and Spanish and develop proficiency in Mandarin.

For further information, visit www.magellanschool.org.