Marsden community supports Pop-Up Gala

There was a great vibe at Marsden’s ‘Pop Up Gala’ on Sunday 14 March 2021.  The strength of the Marsden community, even in these uncertain times, was fully evident and we raised the amazing sum of $40,000… not bad for a small gala! Once again, the Designer Clothing stall was the stand-out, and we were really proud of the way our students contributed to the fund-raising efforts.  The House stalls, run by our senior students, raised over $5,500, and provided great entertainment for the big crowd who turned out on the day. 

Thank you to everyone who supported us, for your donations, your time, your expertise and organisational skills, and your willingness to just pitch in and help with whatever needed doing. By 4pm yesterday the gala had disappeared, just as quickly as it had ‘popped up’. 

The money raised will be used for refurbishment in Marsden House (originally known as the ‘hostel’) which was built in 1926 to accommodate 70 boarders. 

Marsden House, circa 1926

The tradition of students contributing to fund-raising efforts goes way back, in fact before Marsden House was even built.  In 1920, after the 10 acres of land in Karori had been gifted to the Diocese of Wellington by the Riddiford family, the girls of the newly-named Samuel Marsden Collegiate School had ‘another bazaar' and collected three hundred pounds for the 'Karori Fund'. According to the historical records, "the sum was spent on gorse grubbing, fencing, planting of shelter trees and levelling and preparing playing fields.”  This was just the beginning of the fund-raising efforts to make the new campus in Karori a reality that we still enjoy today. 

Once again, thank you for your contribution to a great gala, we couldn't have done it without our amazing community support.