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The Bal de Paris is the largest fundraising and community building event of the year at NDV.\u00a0 This gala is an opportunity for NDV parishioners, parents, grandparents, alumni and prospective families to gather together in an elegant ballroom and bid on items to raise funds for our church and school.\u00a0 Every year brings a new theme and whether the theme is Casino Royale, Cirque Magnifique or Voyages Extraordinaires, it is always a dazzling evening of high spirits and revelry. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″ text_font=”|||||on|||” text_text_color=”#00208a” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” custom_margin=”||1px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_text_align=”left”]<\/p>\n
A Fundraising Tradition Whose Roots Run Deep<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
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The history of the Bal de Paris begins, as any good Bay Area yarn must, with the price of real estate. To be specific: $110,000.<\/span><\/p>\nThat was how much it cost to rebuild l’\u00c9glise Notre Dame des Victoires following the 1906 Earthquake and Great Fire, which had devastated the French community. Homes were flattened and businesses lost. It took nearly a decade to re-establish the historic landmark church, which had, since its founding in 1856, provided a civic and spiritual heartbeat for French immigrants and their children.<\/span><\/p>\nAfter the new church was completed, between 1913-1915, the Rev. Lous Le Bihan, S.M., the presiding Marist pastor and driving force at NDV for 30 years between 1927-1957, turned his attention to the need for a school and purchased three prime lots located along Pine Street for $40,000. The Archbishop of San Francisco guaranteed a loan of $340,000, at that time a quite sizable sum, that would take many decades to pay off after l\u2019\u00c9cole Notre Dame des Victoires opened its doors in January 14th, 1924.<\/span><\/p>\nIn this mounting debt were the seeds of what would ultimately, in 1950, come to be known as the \u201cBal de Paris.\u201d The church\u2019s new school opened in the depths of the Depression and it would require both commitment and vision to lay the foundation of what today, nearly 100 years after NDV quite literally rose from the ashes of the 1906 Earthquake, is a thriving academic, religious and civic community woven deeply into the fabric of downtown San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ndvsf.org\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Screen-Shot-2019-09-09-at-2.16.51-PM.png” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.9.9″ max_height=”340px” custom_margin=”0px|||||” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″ text_font=”|||||on|||” text_text_color=”#00208a” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” custom_margin=”||1px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_text_align=”left”]<\/p>\n
It all started with Mardi Gras dinner…<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
Father Etienne L. Siffert, S.M., who has been an informal historian for both the church and school, recalled that the community has always been enterprising, and the evolution of the Bal de Paris is evidence of that fact. \u201cIt all started in the early years before 1950 with a Mardi Gras dinner, along with a bazaar and games in the church hall, which was very popular,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\nThis early fundraiser, which included a dance in the school gym, a bazaar in the church hall and myriad lunches and dinners, raised precious dollars to support overflowing classrooms, Father Siffert said, \u201cbut it was not enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” quote_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||4px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe classrooms were full, sometimes with as many as 50 children in a class, but tuition was only five dollars a month! And some people thought it was too much!\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″ text_font=”|||||on|||” text_text_color=”#00208a” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” custom_margin=”||1px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_text_align=”left”]<\/p>\n
A Formal Affair<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
It was time for something more ambitious to fund the fledgling school: Le Bal de Paris. The first formal black-tie fundraiser took place in November 1950 at the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill, where it remained for much of the next decade. \u201cIt was a very elegant and formal affair in those days, and in recent years we have come back to that tradition, which is very nice,\u201d said Mrs. Gloria Boyle, chair of the Bal in 1956 and, along with her daughter and granddaughter, a graduate of NDV.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” quote_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||4px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
\n\u201cJust as it is now, it was a special thing for the community. We had two orchestras and back then we had reception lines, and it was a wonderful feeling, being known and recognized by name. It was a welcoming thing that was very meaningful and quite sophisticated,\u201d said Mrs. Boyle, who has for many years sponsored a table of 10. \u201cI suppose one of the most memorable periods was when a group of mothers at the school decided to get together and take dance lessons and perform at the Bal.\u201d Mrs. Boyle recollected of a featured entertainment that started in 1961 and lasted several years. \u201cThey were so professional and so good that people kept saying, \u201cHow can it be that they\u2019re just a group of mothers from the school? They did quite a job with that.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
With the exception of 1963, when sponsors varied the formula and decided to revert to the three-day Mardi Gras celebration format, the Bal de Paris has been held continuously at various hotels all over the city. Many have been located at venerable haunts such as the Fairmont (where the Bal was most often held in its early years) to the Sheraton Palace, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Hotel Meridien and the Hyatt on Union Square. Themes have varied over the years, reflecting the style and ethos of the era. Some of the more memorable events have included high-spirited, high-kicking Can-Can dancers and elaborate displays of decorations inspired by the likes of artists such as the celebrated post-Impressionist chronicler of Parisian nightlife, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. At one point in the early decades the Francisco School of Ballet participated, providing costumes for display as decorations and a live performance in the midst of the Bal.<\/span><\/p>\nMoving out of the Big Band Era and into the 1960\u2019s and 1970\u2019s, the Bal reflected changing times. In 1970, the event had its first male co-chair, Jean Belleau, while 1984, 1990 and 2011 saw the only husband-wife teams ever to take the helm (M & Mme Gregory Hogg, M & Mme Michael Trusdell, 2011 M & Mme Helmut Schmidt respectively.)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” quote_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||4px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt was a very special event,\u201d remember Yvonne Sangiacomo, who chaired two Bals in the 1970\u2019s. \u201cI used to be in charge of hiring the bands. My father (the great nightclub impresario Agostino \u201cBimbo\u201d Giuntoli) was in that business so I loved doing that. At one point we were trying so hard to get this one group. They were known as the DeCastro Sisters. They were quite prominent in those days and played Las Vegas and New York and the Bal wanted them so bad. And I tried and tried.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
Tried and succeeded, but not without some ingenuity. Mrs. Sangiacomo, whose seven children all attended NDV, took it upon herself to go down to her dad\u2019s club, Bimbo\u2019s 365 Club, negotiate with the local musician\u2019s union and then persuade the singers to hop in a taxi and race up to perform at the Bal de Paris between acts down at the club.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cAfterwards we put them back in a taxi and brought them back to Bimbo\u2019s,\u201d said Mrs. Sangiacomo. \u201cThat was fun! We were creative, and had a good time \u2013 because we had a good cause to work for.\u201d Perhaps one of the edgier Bal themes was prompted in 1972 by the release of the new film \u201cCabaret,\u201d whose memorable master of ceremonies role (made famous by Joel Gray) was reenacted in a live performance of \u201cMoney Makes the World Go-Round\u201d by Dr. Alan Giannini, a well-regarded San Francisco allergist.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” quote_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||4px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
\n\u201cEvery year is different, but always everyone has a wonderful time,\u201d said Father Siffert. \u201cThere are so many memories over time, through the years.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
The Bal\u2019s history has evolved and been imprinted with the talents and commitment of each year\u2019s chairmanship, along with the influence and support of committee members. But what is perennial as the Bal itself is the ongoing spirit and legacy built upon year after year, a reflection of the vital community and city in which l’\u00c9glise and l’\u00c9cole Notre Dame des Victoires were first established.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.ndvsf.org\/school\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Screen-Shot-2019-09-09-at-2.09.38-PM.png” _builder_version=”3.24″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
It was perhaps best said by Father Siffert, an integral part of the monumental annual effort since his arrival at NDV in 1975:\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” quote_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||4px|||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
\n\u201cIt brings the whole school and church community together in a way that reflects our uniqueness. There is a mix of cultures, families, businesses and all with one thing in common: A desire to support the long-standing pillar that Notre Dame des Victoires has been for so many people.\u00a0 By working together we understand one another. With the Bal de Paris, young blood from the parents and school community is joined with our storied traditions from the past. It is very special.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.24″ text_font=”|||||on|||” text_text_color=”#00208a” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” custom_margin=”||1px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_text_align=”left”]<\/p>\n
Bal De Paris Chairs<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.27.4″ text_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”justify” custom_margin=”2px||-10px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” text_text_align=”justify” locked=”off”]<\/p>\n
With gratitude we thank the following Bal de Paris chairs and the countless volunteers, parishioners and NDV families who contributed to making this annual event so fun and memorable.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=”Bal de Paris Chairs” open_toggle_text_color=”#ffffff” open_toggle_background_color=”#171796″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#171796″ icon_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”4.9.9″ title_text_color=”#ffffff” title_font=”EB Garamond|||||on|||” title_text_align=”left” title_font_size=”22px” title_letter_spacing=”3px” closed_title_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” body_font=”EB Garamond||||||||” body_text_color=”#ffffff” body_font_size=”16px” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”13px|||||” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” text_shadow_style=”preset1″]1950 <\/span>Mme Harry C. Davis<\/span><\/p>\n1951<\/span> Mme Harry Somerfield<\/span><\/p>\n1952<\/span> Mme Rene Grialou, Mme Nicholas F. Cebalo<\/span><\/p>\n1953<\/span> Mme Andre Pechoultres<\/span><\/p>\n1954<\/span> Mme Frederick Hall, Mme Vasco K. Vannelli<\/span><\/p>\n1955<\/span> Mme Ralph Kircher, Mme Joseph A. Guiffre, Mme John Hurley<\/span><\/p>\n1956<\/span> Mme Peter Bercut, Mme Philip Boyle, Mme Robert Girerd<\/span><\/p>\n1957<\/span> Mme Thomas Murphy<\/span><\/p>\n1958<\/span> Mme Alfred Arnaud, Mme Jack Seltenrich<\/span><\/p>\n1959<\/span> Mme Martin Del Bonta<\/span><\/p>\n1960<\/span> Mme Bern Rocci-Gutbert, Mme Glenn Ghiselli<\/span><\/p>\n1961<\/span> Mme Fernard Casabonne, Mme Paul Marty<\/span><\/p>\n1962<\/span> Mme Arthur Press<\/span><\/p>\n1963<\/span> Mme James Silvestri<\/span><\/p>\n1964<\/span> Mme Harry Marchand<\/span><\/p>\n1965<\/span> Mme Keith Norgard<\/span><\/p>\n1966<\/span> Mme George L. Higgins, Mme Irene Leutza<\/span><\/p>\n1967<\/span> Mme Albert Aubert<\/span><\/p>\n1968<\/span> Mme N. Michael Kavanaugh, Mme George Tournahu<\/span><\/p>\n1969<\/span> Mme Gerald Cook, Mme Helene Duport<\/span><\/p>\n1970<\/span> M Jean Belleau, Mme John Jordan<\/span><\/p>\n1971<\/span> Mme Albert Aubert, Judge Ollie Marie-Victoire, Mme Yvonne Sangiacomo<\/span><\/p>\n1972<\/span> Mme Bernard Baylocq, Mme Robert Mohun, Mme George Moscone<\/span><\/p>\n1973<\/span> Mme Jack Louhoo, Mme Eugenia Murphy, Mme Dominic Tarantino<\/span><\/p>\n1974<\/span> Mme Martin Eyerachar, Mme Arthur Martini, Mme Russell F. Stechsculte<\/span><\/p>\n1975<\/span> Mme Denise Baylocq, Mme Judy Doyle<\/span><\/p>\n1976<\/span> Mme Wilna Bordachar, Mme Yvonne Sangiacomo<\/span><\/p>\n1977<\/span> Mme Peter Corroo, Mme Joan Rubia<\/span><\/p>\n1978<\/span> Mme Mary Lou Giannini, Mme John O\u2019Brien, Mme Alfred Sassus Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n1979<\/span> Mme Claire Casabonne, Mme Joseph Polizzi<\/span><\/p>\n1980<\/span> Mme Robert Andrini, Mme Richard Fiore<\/span><\/p>\n1981<\/span> Rev Pere Leonard Ferringo<\/span><\/p>\n1982<\/span> Mme Joanne Rubia<\/span><\/p>\n1983<\/span> Mme Marguerite Falango, Mme Michael Stewart<\/span><\/p>\n1984<\/span> M & Mme Gregory Hogg<\/span><\/p>\n1985<\/span> Mme Anne Metais, Mme Eugene Udovich<\/span><\/p>\n1986<\/span> Mme John Christen, Mme Robert Dondero<\/span><\/p>\n1987<\/span> Mme Philip O\u2019Keefe, Mme Helmut Schmidt<\/span><\/p>\n1988<\/span> Mme Edward Perry, Mme Benjamin Yee<\/span><\/p>\n1989<\/span> Mme Marilyn Terry<\/span><\/p>\n1990<\/span> M & Mme Michael Trusdell<\/span><\/p>\n1991<\/span> Mme Timothy Doyle, Mme Elizabeth O\u2019Keefe<\/span><\/p>\n1992<\/span> Mme Robert Martel, Mme Keith Rutz, Mme Gregory Ryken<\/span><\/p>\n1993<\/span> Mme Frederic Campagnoli, Mme William Diefenbach, Mme Philip Telesco<\/span><\/p>\n1994<\/span> Mme David Bardelli, Mme Howard Meehan<\/span><\/p>\n1995<\/span> Mme Maria Creasey, Mme Maripaz Lee, Mme Jacqueline Martin<\/span><\/p>\n1996<\/span> Mme Patricia Chan, Mme Macy Lam, Mme Maureen Revel<\/span><\/p>\n1997<\/span> Mme Maureen McGinley, Mme Alena Kucera<\/span><\/p>\n1998<\/span> Mme Beth Cucco, Mme Janet Nedeau, Mme Renee Vignoles<\/span><\/p>\n1999<\/span> Mme Rose Heller, Mme Patty Jayo, Mme Nicole Sorhondo<\/span><\/p>\n2000<\/span> Mme Renee Max, Mme Lana Panfilova<\/span><\/p>\n