As the story goes, in the late 1970s, Parents' Association President and current parent Carmen Murphy attended a benefit dinner in St. Louis. She thought it would be a wonderful idea to introduce to her children's school as a fundraising idea. Until then, the school had run a garage sale to earn funds to supplement revenue. So in the 1978/79 school year, the first Stanley Clark Dinner Auction (in fact, the first dinner auction in the Michiana area) was held at Century Center in downtown South Bend and was chaired by Geraldine (Jerry) Green. The goal for the evening was to raise $10,000 for the school. To everyone's surprise and delight, they more than doubled that goal, raising $30,000! In the years following the inaugural dinner auction, a school-wide competition was held to find the perfect name for this new fundraising opportunity. Students submitted ideas for the event name, and a vote was taken - Kaleidoscope became the name. 

Since then, Kaleidoscope has grown to include alumni, parents of alumni, current parents and grandparents, faculty and staff, and local businesses, all in celebration of The Stanley Clark School. This event has also grown to be our biggest fundraiser of the year. Your generous support of this event helps provide the funding needed to maintain the quality education and community for which The Stanley Clark School is known.

The Flora P. Clark Award

Thanks to the generosity and vision of Flora P. Clark, The Stanley Clark School relocated to its current location at the former Hoffman estate on November 9, 1965.

Flora was a philanthropic leader of the South Bend community, involved in the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. Joseph County Medical Society, the Northern Indiana Historical Society, the Progress Club, and the South Bend Symphony Association.

Flora also established The Stanley A. and Flora P. Clark Memorial Community Trust Foundation in July 1964 in order to benefit the people of South Bend, Indiana and St. Joseph County, Indiana.

Award Recipients

2023 (Inaugural year): Jerry Hammes

2024: Ernestine Carmichael Raclin

2025: Jim Tallman

RSVPs for the 48th Annual Kaleidoscope are now closed.

This year's event will be held in the Gillespie Ballroom at Hilton Garden Inn, located on the campus of Saint Mary’s College.

Gillespie Ballroom at Hilton Garden Inn

53995 IN-933 | South Bend, IN 46637

Irish Gala Salad

Duet Entree: Crab-stuffed Shrimp with Romesco Sauce, Beef Tenderloin with Cowboy Butter, Smoked Gouda Yukon Gold Mash Potato, Asparagus

Vegan Entree: Spaghetti Squash, Red Pepper Mushrooms, Basil Oil, Broccolini

Dessert: Dulce de leche or Basque Cheesecake with strawberry sauce

We are pleased to share that Growing Kids is once again offering free childcare for all parents attending Kaleidoscope on March 7. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy the evening, knowing your children are in safe, caring hands.  

To help Growing Kids prepare, please register by Monday, March 2, if you plan to use childcare services.

Register for Childcare  

This not-to-be-missed event is the school's most significant community gathering and fundraiser, providing current-year operational support and easing the tuition contribution of qualified students.

The Stanley Clark School is an independent, co-educational school deeply rooted in the Michiana community for more than 65 years. We serve students in preschool through grade 8, providing excellent academic programs, exceptional faculty, character-enriching programs, and unparalleled opportunities in athletics and the fine and performing arts.

A contribution to our event will directly benefit your business by providing: 

• maximum visibility among parents, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends of the school
• publicity on our auction webpage, electronic bidding devices, and social media event page

Learn about sponsorship opportunities below or contact Kat Gardner at kgardner@stanelyclark.org.

Learn More

Thank you for considering this leadership role to help us fill the room with energy and generosity to support achieving our mission at Stanley Clark!

Learn More 

We invite you to consider donating an item to our silent auction - a vital part of the fundraising for the evening's event. Families are encouraged to big high and bid often in our auction, which always results in lots of fun and a little friendly competition. Every donation is welcome and appreciated, whether an experience package, gift card, physical item, or local business service. One of the best things about the auction is families often discover a new business or experience within the greater Michiana community to frequent again and again!

DONATE AN ITEM 

Dress for this year's event is cocktail attire!