Celebrate Bush

List of 17 frequently asked questions.

• What is Celebrate Bush?

  Celebrate Bush is our annual K-12 community celebration and fundraiser for financial aid. Every year, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and grandparents come together in support of our community and to increase accessibility to experiential education for a greater number of families. 

• When is the event?

  Celebrate Bush is a hybrid event and will be held the evening of March 19, 2022 in the Multi-Purpose Room of the New Upper School Building and online!

• What is a “hybrid” event?

  Celebrate Bush will be a hybrid event, offering both in-person and virtual options. Attendees will enjoy an equally engaging evening whether you attend in-person or virtually. More details to follow.

• How do I register?

  Tickets will go on sale about a month before the event and we will be sure to share the link to register on this site. We hope to have an in-person event for as many Bush community members as we can accommodate safely, and we appreciate your patience as we determine that number and the process for registration. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in-person event. 

• What is this year’s theme?

  This year the event theme is Celebrate Bush: Past, Present, Future and our goal is to create an event to honor The Bush School’s close to 100-year history in Seattle, and make the connection to today’s Bush experience and how both will shape the future of the school. Hosting the event in the New Upper School Building provides a sense of place and connection to the past, the excitement of the present, and hope for the future. The hybrid event format provides access and the opportunity for alumni to enjoy the event as well, a tie to their past.

• What does Celebrate Bush support?

  Since 2014, all proceeds from Celebrate Bush have directly supported financial aid. This year, The Bush School financial aid budget is $4.5 million for tuition and additional school related expenses. Last year our community raised $479,000 to support financial aid through Celebrate Bush. 

• What is the event format?

  Celebrate Bush: Past, Present, Future is a hybrid event that will feature Buy-Ins, Class Art, Raise the Paddle for financial aid, and a program that will introduce you to the New Upper School Building and celebrate the Bush community. To accommodate our hybrid audience with participants both in-person and virtual, all of these components will be run through a digital platform (mobile friendly). We will share information about the event as it nears.

• What are Buy Ins?

  Buy Ins are community building events that bring together Bush families, students, and alumni and help raise money to support financial aid. To participate, you can purchase a spot in one (or more!) of these events. This year we plan to have over fifteen Buy Ins spanning from a back-to-school brunch to outdoor movie nights. We hope that this year’s Buy Ins will provide opportunities to (re)connect with members of the school community. You will notice that Buy Ins this year will have an emphasis on being COVID-safe and adaptable (think outdoor, distanced, activities you can do with a mask on). 
  
  If you’re interested or have an idea you’d like to share, please reach out to Joanna Smith and Gretchen Boehm. 

• What is the event capacity?

  200. Capacity will be adjusted based on COVID-19 protocols as the event approaches. We hope to have an in-person event for as many Bush community members that can be accommodated safely, and ?appreciate your patience as we finalize total attendance and the process for registration closer to the event. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in-person event, and masks will be required when not eating or drinking. Tickets will be available in February 2022.

• How much do tickets cost?

  Tickets will be sold on a “pay as you are able” scale ranging from $50, $100, and $150 per attendee. Tickets will go on sale about a month before the event.

• What if I cannot afford the price of the tickets?

  This event is a celebration of our entire community and we want everyone to be able to attend. If the cost of attendance is an obstacle and you would like to attend please contact Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Adam Choice. 

• Will there be a way to participate if I am not able to get a ticket because they are sold out?

  Yes! We are excited to debut the first ever hybrid Celebrate Bush event. This year, attendees will have the option to attend in-person, or virtually through a livestream. The livestream link will be circulated one week before the event, and we encourage virtual attendees to watch with friends and family. We will share more information about virtual participation as the event nears.

• I want to attend the event in person. What COVID-19 safety policies will be in place? Will Bush be checking vaccination cards?

  The health and safety of the Bush community remains our top priority. We hope to have an in-person event for as many Bush community members as we can accommodate safely, and we appreciate your patience as we determine that number and the process for registration. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in-person event and masks will be required when not eating or drinking. 

• Can my children attend?

  While we love seeing Bush students engage with the greater community, this is an adults-only event. 

• I am new to The Bush School, and I haven't met many parents from other grades yet. Should I still attend?

  Absolutely! Celebrate Bush is a K-12 event and gives you the chance to meet more members of our incredible school community.  You can also meet other parents virtually at grade level socials, admissions events, or Families Association Connections in the Courtyard prior to Celebrate Bush. 

• How will money be raised the night of the event?

  Fundraising at Celebrate Bush includes Class Art, Buy-Ins, and Raise the Paddle for financial aid. There is no Silent or Live Auction. We also offer corporate sponsorship opportunities to help offset the cost of the event and ensure every donation directly supports financial aid.

• What if I want to donate money, but I don't feel comfortable participating in a Raise the Paddle?

  You can donate in support of financial aid at any time. You can include a donation when registering for the event or donate on the Bush Giving page select "Celebrate Bush Raise the Paddle for Financial Aid" in the drop down (you can let us know if you prefer to be anonymous). All donations made prior to the event will be included in the night's fundraising total. For questions about giving to financial aid, contact Director of Development Sharon Hurt.