On December 9, 2006,The Berkeley Chess School celebrated its 25th anniversary with a Chess Party and a Silent Auction at Hillside School in Berkeley. More than 200 guests attended, including many past and present students of BCS. Board member Master Roger Poehlman and BCS Alumnus Master Sam Shankland both played simuls against all comers. For three hours, adults and kids old and new sparred in regular chess, speed chess and bughouse.
Many local restaurants donated lunch, including pizza galore for the kids, and Chef Kardana was on hand cooking a wonderful hot lunch. For the non-chess players -- the parents, mostly-- there was a silent auction. Local businesses and BCS supporters contributed many interesting items which made the auction a great success. Proceeds from the event and auction will go to support our programs, including the BCS First Moves Program for young children in West Contra Costa County.
The Berkeley Chess School took the opportunity at this event to introduce its Capital Campaign. A schematic drawing of the future Berkeley Educational Chess Center was on display, and with it an appeal for volunteers to help fulfill our dream for a new permanent home and community chess center for BCS.
BCS wants to thank the guests who contributed by their presence on this occasion. We want to thank Valero, our main event sponsor, our supporting local businesses, and our dedicated volunteers for their support, without which this memorable event could not have taken place.
see the photos (all photos by Richard Shorman)