An atmosphere of Derby elegance, joyful celebration, and heartfelt generosity filled The Buccaneer Hotel as the Good Hope Country Day School community gathered for this year’s Run for the Roses Gala—an unforgettable evening dedicated to supporting the students and future of GHCDS.
At the heart of the event was a mission that truly matters: raising critical financial aid dollars to ensure that talented students from across St. Croix have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at GHCDS. Throughout the evening, guests answered that call with incredible generosity, raising paddles high, bidding boldly, and giving from the heart in support of the school’s mission.
The evening opened with a gracious welcome from Interim Head of School William Sinfield, who reflected on the strength and spirit of the GHCDS community and expressed gratitude for the many individuals who continue to champion the school’s mission and future. Guests were then warmly guided through the evening by Gala hosts Alisha Udhwani, and Michelle Dizon, whose energy, humor, and Panther pride set the tone for a truly memorable celebration.
A particularly meaningful moment of the evening came as Vanessa Velez-Wyche, officially welcomed incoming Head of School Ali Morgan, symbolically ushering in an exciting new chapter for GHCDS. Ali shared inspiring reflections on the future of the school, speaking to the opportunities, innovation, and continued excellence ahead for the GHCDS community.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a lively mix of activities and experiences including the Silent Auction, Live Auction, Crab Races, Wine Toss, student performances, and more. Every bid placed, every toast raised, and every moment of generosity directly supported GHCDS students and programs.
One of the night’s standout highlights was a special student performance from GHCDS’s acclaimed and sold-out production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. Allegra Ferreras, Amalie Figueroa, Lena Kammerzelt, and Maya Prasad electrified the audience with their performance of “Chips Are Down.” Directed by Kiomie Pedrini and Carolyn Forno, with musical direction by Mr. Yoav Hayut, the production stood as a shining example of the extraordinary creativity, collaboration, and talent of GHCDS students.
Guests then gathered together to sip, savor, and celebrate during a Derby-style dinner filled with fellowship, laughter, and appreciation for the incredible community assembled in the room.
As the evening moved “down the final stretch,” the Live Auction brought excitement and spirited bidding as attendees competed for luxury getaways, original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, culinary experiences, and one-of-a-kind treasures—all generously donated in support of the school.
Another deeply moving moment came during the evening’s Tribute to Bill Sinfield, presented by John Harper, honoring Bill’s years of leadership, dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the GHCDS community. It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of the lasting impact he has made on the institution and the many lives he has touched during his tenure.
GHCDS extends its deepest appreciation to our sponsors, donors, Board of Trustees, Advancement Committee, faculty and staff, administration, event volunteers, student performers, attendees, and the incredible team at The Buccaneer Hotel for helping make the evening such an extraordinary success. The Run for the Roses Gala was more than a fundraiser—it was a powerful reflection of what makes GHCDS so special: a community that believes deeply in its students and comes together to invest in their future.
As shared throughout the evening:
“Place your bids boldly. Invest generously. And know that every paddle raised is helping carry our students across the finish line.”
To everyone who supported, celebrated, volunteered, donated, and joined us for this remarkable evening—thank you for being the heart and spirit of GHCDS.
WINNER’S CIRCLE SPONSORS
- The Buccaneer
- Barry & Susan Armstrong
- Island Therapy Solutions
- International Private Bank
GARLAND OF ROSES SPONSORS
- Baker Magras & Associates/Marshall & Sterling Insurance
GOLD CUP SPONSORS
- Lee Rohn & Associates
- The Hamed Family & The Market
- Dr. Jamil Jacobs-El & Dr. Neldy Betancourt
- Dudley Newman Feuerzeig, LLP
- George & Donna Ashley
- John & Theresa Harper
THOROUGHBRED SPONSORS
- Bank of St. Croix
- Dr. & Mrs. Bradley Ebersole
- Twin City Dental Care
- Russell & Yulia Pate
- Cane Bay Partners VI, LLLP/ David & Jackie Johnson, Kirk & Leah Chewning
- Indutech VI
- MCN Build
- The Walker Legal Group
- Virgin Islands Paving, Inc.
STARTING GATE SPONSORS
- Bert Smith & Co.
- J. Benton Construction, LLC
- Paradise Plumbing, Inc.
- Michelle Moore
- Rhea Abramson
- Beckstedt & Kuczynski, LLP
- Michelle N. Dizon, MD. PC.
- James & Connie Arena
- Clinical Laboratory Inc.
- Ali & Kanika Morgan
- Coldwell Banker - St. Croix Realty/Bry Locher
- The Christian-Hendrickson & Elsoke Family
- Quantum Technology Group
- STXVETS
- Imaging Center PC
- Alisha Udhwani
- Joel & Jackie Holt
- QE4FERRY.COM
- Tysam Tech, LLC
- ABC Janitors
- Tropical Behavioral Services