One of the highlights of the Surval calendar, the Charity Gala Dinner is a much-loved tradition that beautifully captures the spirit of a Surval education. Organised entirely by our Swiss Gap girls as part of their Event Management module, the Gala Dinner is far more than an elegant evening—it is an opportunity for the girls to put their creativity, leadership, and teamwork into practice while supporting a cause close to their hearts.
Supported and coached by our Event Manager, the Swiss Gap girls are responsible for every stage of the project, from developing the theme and vision for the evening to delivering a successful event. The girls divide into departments including Food & Beverage, Decorations, Hosting, Media, Fundraising, Entertainment, and Budget Management, each taking ownership of an essential aspect of the Gala Dinner.
While each department has its own responsibilities, the success of the event depends on collaboration. Every decision impacts another team, requiring the girls to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and work together towards a shared goal. Through this process, they gain invaluable experience in leadership, organisation, project management, and teamwork, developing the confidence to take initiative and bring their ideas to life.
The Charity Gala Dinner is also a wonderful example of Surval's Savoir-Vivre philosophy in action. Rooted in the school's heritage, Savoir-Vivre lies at the heart of the Surval experience, encouraging girls to develop confidence, cultural understanding, social awareness, and a global perspective through meaningful real-life experiences. The Gala Dinner brings together many of its interconnected strands, including culinary arts, etiquette, social enterprise, culture and traditions, and experiential learning.
Rather than learning these concepts solely in the classroom, the girls live them. They manage budgets, design decorations, coordinate logistics, and create memorable experiences for their guests. Throughout the year, the Swiss Gap girls organised a variety of creative fundraising initiatives, including Sunday pancake deliveries to boarding rooms, a cinema evening featuring homemade popcorn and cookies, and a mocktail and cocktail bar during the Gala Dinner itself, complete with specially designed themed drinks. They also engaged with the local community, seeking raffle prize donations and building partnerships to support their fundraising efforts.
This year's Gala Dinner was held in support of Léman Hope, a remarkable charity that helps children and young people in cancer remission rebuild their confidence through the therapeutic power of sailing. By taking part in a five-day voyage aboard a sailboat on Lake Geneva, participants are encouraged to rediscover their self-belief, resilience, and sense of adventure.
Through their fundraising initiatives and collective efforts, the Swiss Gap girls raised an impressive CHF 1,200 for the charity. They also welcomed Léman Hope Director, Priscille Varillon, to the event, where she shared the charity's mission and the impact of its work with guests. The Gala Dinner provided the girls with a further opportunity to present the culmination of their fundraising efforts: the upcoming Swimathon, during which they will swim from Vevey to Château de Chillon in support of Léman Hope.
More than simply an evening of celebration, the Charity Gala Dinner is a cherished Surval tradition that empowers girls to lead with confidence, think creatively, and make a meaningful contribution to the wider community. It is a wonderful reflection of what makes Surval unique: learning through experience, embracing new challenges, and inspiring young women to become compassionate, capable, and globally minded leaders.
