All that glitters may not be gold, but at the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s third-annual Green & Gold Gala, the evening sparkled like a band of gold crowned with South American emeralds. The August 23rd event, held for the first time at The Dillard House, set a new fundraising record, bringing in an extraordinary $260,500 to support the School’s Cupola Fund. These resources sustain students, faculty, and programs across all divisions of the school, from Pre-K to high school.
A Legacy of Learning in the Mountains
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School opened in 1903 to bring education to southern appalachian children who lacked access to advanced models of learning. That mission drives the institution more than a century later.
Today Rabun Gap stands among the nation’s top boarding and day schools, enrolling 698 students from more than 50 countries and 16 states.
Students pursue advanced courses, compete in athletics, and perform in the school’s signature Cirque program that marries theatre, dance, and aerial performance. These programs create cultural opportunities in rural Appalachia. Rabun Gap delivers high-level education to an underserved community and prepares young people for college, careers, and lives rooted in creativity, leadership, and service.
A Night of Celebration
More than 160 guests filled the ballroom, where a lush greenery wall, studded with white hydrangeas, framed the Gala’s golden logo. Couples and friends stopped for photographs in front of the backdrop, their green and gold attire echoing the evening’s theme. Head of School Jeff Miles and his wife, Kiana, stood hand-in-hand beneath the signage, embodying the pride and vision of the night. while laughter bubbled up like champagne as parents, alumni, and friends mingled with glasses of wine in hand.
The energy matched the décor — elegant yet joyful. Guests enjoyed a family-style dinner, a lively silent auction, and spirited bingo sessions led by MC Matthew Johnson. Onstage, Director of Development Jennifer Arbitter addressed the crowd with poise and passion, underscoring the impact of their generosity. The evening concluded with a fireworks finale, sponsored by parent and BBHS realtor, Meghann Brackett, that lit the night sky over Dillard in emerald and gold.
The fundraiser also included a $10,000 raffle, drawn at the close of the event. Galeana Neel, a current Rabun Gap parent from Franklin, NC, walked away as the lucky winner.
Community, Commitment, and Support
“The Green & Gold Gala shows what makes Rabun Gap so special,” said Head of School Jeff Miles. “When our community comes together, amazing things happen for our students. Funds raised through the Gala are reinvested directly in classrooms, programs, and opportunities for our students. It’s about making sure every child at Rabun Gap has the tools and support they need to thrive.”
That community spirit radiated throughout the evening — in the couples who posed together, in the friends who leaned across tables in animated conversation, and in the alumni who returned to honor the school that shaped them. Alumni such as Steve Gilliam ’66, Jean (Kelly) Lindstedt ’70, Cathy Kelly Parker ’77, and Betty Dillard ’66 were among those photographed, standing side by side as living proof of the school’s enduring impact.
Sponsors also played a critical role, from Lead Gala Sponsors Meghann Brackett, The Legacy Group/Zavala Capital Group, and Legacy Ventures, to Gold and Green Table supporters like Arrowood Construction, Habersham Metal, JW Underwood Construction, Berkshire Hathaway Meadows Mountain Realty, and many more.
Attendees at Rabun Gap’s Green & Gold Gala enjoyed a fireworks finale across from The Dillard House. This display was sponsored by parent and BBHS realtor, Meghann Brackett.
Looking Ahead
As the final fireworks faded, the Green & Gold Gala stood not only as a fundraiser but as a portrait of the Rabun Gap spirit. Its legacy spans more than a century, yet its mission remains as urgent as ever: to prepare students for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
In the glow of the Gala, framed by laughter, conversation, and emerald brilliance, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School reminded its community why it endures — because it shapes generations, and because it sparkles like gold.
