Beneath the stars at the historic Santa Barbara Club, more than 240 parents, educators, alumni and community supporters gathered April 25 for an evening that blended celebration with purpose at the Royal Pride Foundation’s annual Royal Ball.
The sold-out event, the foundation’s signature benefit for San Marcos High School, raised approximately $250,000 in net proceeds to support programs and opportunities for students across campus.
Once each year, the San Marcos community comes together for this special evening, a night of dining, dancing and generosity that serves as the foundation’s largest fundraiser. While guests enjoyed the festive setting, the impact extended far beyond the ball, funding critical programs that support students in academics, arts, athletics and overall well-being.
Royal Pride Foundation President Kristi Newton opened the evening with a message of gratitude, recognizing the many individuals whose dedication brought the event to life.
“We want to begin by recognizing our incredible co-chairs, Alexis Tande and Dalina Klan, along with the many volunteers and community members who made this evening possible,” Newton said. “Events like this don’t just happen, they are built by people who care deeply.”
She went on to recognize members of the benefit committee, including Liz O’Brien, Dana Rock, Michael Matheson, Amy Mognis and Michele Voigt, as well as Royal Pride Foundation Executive Director Karen Callanan and event planner Emily Greig, along with the foundation’s board members and San Marcos student volunteers.
“And a big shout-out to Andrew Firestone, thank you, Andrew, for all you do and contribute, and to so many others who brought this night to life,” Newton added.
Guests were welcomed into an evening featuring a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing, with longtime supporter and San Marcos parent Andrew Firestone serving as master of ceremonies. The evening was also supported by community partners, including Kunin Wines.
More than a celebration, Newton emphasized the shared purpose behind the event: investing in students and expanding opportunity.
“Tonight, we gather not only in celebration, but with a shared purpose: to invest in the moment a student hears ‘yes,’” she said. “Yes, you belong. Yes, you are supported. Yes, your future is full of possibility.”
Funds raised through the Royal Ball are distributed across campus to meet evolving needs—from classroom enhancements and technology upgrades to student support programs providing basic unmet resources like the Royal Care Closet. Past investments have included campus improvements such as the green safety fence along Hollister Avenue, first-generation college visits, and student publications.
Since its founding, the Royal Pride Foundation has invested more than $4 million into San Marcos High School, strengthening programs and helping create a campus culture grounded in belonging and opportunity.
Newton described the current moment as a “golden era” for the school, driven by strong leadership and community support.
“This is truly a golden era for San Marcos,” she said, pointing to the leadership of Principal Dare Holdren and the school’s educators and staff. “We are creating something transformational that will impact students not just today, but for generations to come.”
“What we are doing is reflected in how the kids are feeling,” Holdren said. “We went from the 40th to the 90th percentile in students’ sense of belonging at San Marcos, we have made jumps every year and we are in the 90th percentile in school climate, in school safety, and in supportive relationships. We are also in the 90th percentile for staff reporting that we have a positive school climate. Our staff is enthusiastic and hopeful, and we have 11 straight years of the most Channel League (athletic) titles of any school in the league.”
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of this year’s honorees, whose contributions reflect the spirit of giving that defines the San Marcos community. Stacey and Ryan Fell were presented with the Forever Royal Award, recognizing their consistent dedication, generosity and enduring support of San Marcos students. In accepting the honor, Stacey Fell reflected on the deeper purpose behind the evening.
“We are here tonight for the students whose parents are not here,” she said, underscoring the role the broader community plays in supporting every student.”
The evening also honored Frann Wageneck with the Royal Pride Inspiration Award, recognizing her leadership, service and commitment to expanding opportunity for students. As a board member, she has helped lead key initiatives including alumni engagement efforts and the nearly complete Building Community Wellness Project. “Frann leads with heart, with purpose, and with an unwavering belief in students,” Newton said. “She doesn’t just support our community, she helps shape it.”
During the evening, philanthropist Betty Elings Wells was recognized for her transformational support of the school’s new Elings Wells Family Wellness Center, a cornerstone of the Building Community Wellness Project. Wells, joined by her partner Eric Wulff, was honored with a celebratory toast acknowledging her generosity and the growing momentum behind the initiative.
The Wellness Center will provide a dedicated, purpose-built space to support students’ physical, emotional and mental health in a welcoming and accessible environment, while strengthening partnerships with local organizations to expand care and early intervention for students.
The project is part of a broader vision that also includes the newly announced Cottage Health Careers Academy, creating an integrated approach that connects student well-being with pathways into health and behavioral health careers.
Together, these efforts represent a significant investment in both the immediate and long-term success of San Marcos students.
The Royal Ball, which sold out by April 1, continues to serve as a cornerstone event for the foundation—bringing together families, alumni and community partners to invest in the success of all students. Unlike program-specific fundraisers, the Royal Ball provides flexible funding that allows school leaders to respond to evolving needs and opportunities across campus.
As Newton reminded attendees, the evening ultimately reflects a shared belief in students and their potential. “Your presence says something powerful,” she said. “You are here because you believe in our students, their potential, their futures, and the power of community to shape both.”
With strong community support and continued momentum, foundation leaders say the impact of the evening will extend far beyond a single night.
“Our greatest impact is still ahead,” Newton said.
