Smith Street Maternelle
Gala & 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
Friday, May 16, 2025
7pm–Till Late
LOCATION
501 Union St., Brooklyn
SCHEDULE
7–8pm Cocktail Hour
8–10pm Dinner & Program
10pm–12am Dancing
SPECIAL GUEST
Fabrice Jaumont, scholar-practitioner, award-winning author, non-profit leader, and Education Attaché for the Embassy of France to the United States.
A Night of Culture, Celebration,
& Community
Join us on Friday, May 16, for a soirée to remember—celebrating dix ans of joyful bilingual learning à la française—and a meaningful moment in our school’s journey: the knighting of our founder and Head of School, Olivia Ramsey.
In recognition of her contributions to French education in the U.S., Olivia will receive the insignia of Chevalier dans l’ordre des Palmes académiques* from the French government. Expect heartfelt tributes, a touch of ceremony, and plenty of champagne.
The evening will feature music and cuisine inspired by the vibrant cultures of the Francophone world—France, the Caribbean, West Africa, and beyond—reflecting the rich diversity of our community.
Come for the Celebration,
Stay for the Cause
The night will include both silent and live auctions, with all proceeds supporting Smith Street Maternelle’s mission to cultivate curious, compassionate, multilingual learners—and to expand access through increased aide financière, building a more inclusive and equitable future.
À bientôt !
Tickets
Single Ticket: $250.00
Couple’s Ticket: $450.00
Faculty & Staff Sponsorship: $225.00
Sponsor Tickets:
All details, perks, and benefits are listed on the ticketing page.
Forfait de Parrainage
Niveau Diamant (Diamond)
$10,000.00
Includes VIP seating for 6, premiere logo placement, + more …
Forfait de Parrainage
Niveau Or (Gold)
$5,000.00
Includes seating for 4, premium placement in materials, + more …
Forfait de Parrainage
Niveau Argent (Sterling)
$2,500.00
Includes seating for 2, quarter-page ad in the event program, + more …
Soutenez notre mission
Unable to attend the Gala? We invite you to celebrate from afar by making a fully tax-deductible donation in support of Smith Street Maternelle.
Your generosity helps us expand access to our bilingual program and strengthen our commitment to une éducation bilingue, humaine et engagée—a bilingual education rooted in care, connection, and global curiosity.
To contribute by check or wire transfer, please contact Latonya Edwards for instructions.
For sponsorship opportunities or more information, please reach out to Marie-Therès Franke.
Merci de tout cœur for supporting our école and this special milestone!
* L’Ordre des Palmes académiques
The Order of Academic Palms (l’ordre des Palmes académiques) was founded in 1808 by Napoleon Bonaparte, who established the honorary titles of Titulaire, Officier de l’Université, and Officier d’Académie as awards for devotion and accomplishment in the areas of teaching, scholarship and research. Since being raised to the status of the Order under the Minister of Education in 1955, this award has had three ranks: Chevalier, Officier, and Commandeur. French citizens living abroad and foreign (non-French) nationals may receive this award for contributing significantly to furthering French intellectual, scientific, and artistic achievements across the world.