Celebrate Bush

List of 20 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 Mag Gym and online!
  
  6:00 p.m.: Doors open for in-person attendees in Mag Gym
  6:30 p.m.: Livestream pre-show for virtual attendees
  7:00 p.m.: Program begins
  

  • Welcome from Head of School Percy L. Abram
  • “Past, Present, Future” with Co-Chairs Karim ’89 and Alice ’89 Lessard
  • Class Art Auction and Closing with Kate Bayley ’96
  • Raise the Paddle for Financial Aid
  • Musical Closing by Broken Records

  8:00 p.m.: Program ends, DJ and Dancing begins

• 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 on Friday, February 18 and Bush families will receive individual registration links with information about how to purchase tickets or sign up to attend the free virtual livestream. 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 can I expect at the in-person event?

  Celebrate Bush: Past, Present, Future is a cocktail party format. This year's event will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, dessert, cocktails, wine and beer. Open seating for the program will be available. You can expect to mingle amongst reception style cocktail tables or grab a seat for the program from in variety of seating options.

• Where can I park for Celebrate Bush? 

  The event will take place in The Mag Gym at The Bush School. Parking is available in the Bush Garage located off E. Harrison Street and 33rd Ave E, as well as on Harrison and Republican street. Enter via garage or turf field gate on E. Harrison St. 

• 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 on campus 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 do I wear? 

  Whatever makes you feel like celebrating! The theme is Past, Present, Future, so show up in your favorite throwback attire or something more futuristic. Cocktail party attire is suggested, but we encourage you to interpret this theme in whatever way feels best for you.

• 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 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 Friday, February 18.

• 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?

  Proof of vaccination will be required to attend the in-person event. Upon check-in you will be asked to either pre-upload your proof of vaccination or present it at the event. In accordance with Head of School Percy L. Abram’s communication about COVID-19 protocols and masking shared on March 11, Celebrate Bush will be mask optional. Garage doors in the Mag Gym will be open, allowing for extra air flow in the space. 

• Can my children attend?

  While we love seeing Bush students engage with the greater community, this is an adults-only event for in-person attendees. We encourage all members of the community to attend virtually via the livestream (including students). 

• 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.