The Occasion: More than 380 parents and supporters of the School of St. Mary in Lake Forest crowded the ballroom of the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort during the school’s annual gala entitled “Dreams Are Wishes from the Heart.”

The Highlights: Trips to the Kentucky Derby, Cambridge, and Ireland were all a part of the thrilling live auction, as well as a training experience at the Chicago Bears’ practice field at Halas Hall.

The VIPs: Laura Rukavina and Julie Schaefer served as the evening’s co-chairs, and the night recognized and celebrated the school’s teachers and the parish’s staff during the entire evening.

The Final Tally: More than $375,000 was raised to support programs and enhancements across the school’s two campuses, which will range from playground resurfacing to technology investments. schoolofstmary.org

Photography by Robin Subar