Mamaroneck Schools Foundation Gala Raises $130K

by Jill Simpson of the MSF

(May 25, 2005) The Third Annual Spring Gala to benefit the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, held on May 21, brought together over 300 people from the school district on a beautiful evening by the waterfront to raise over $130,000 for the Larchmont and Mamaroneck public schools. New York Assemblyman George Latimer got the evening rolling with a proclamation honoring the Foundation for its contributions to public education and for encouraging innovation, creativity and excellence in teaching. He then kicked off the bidding on the live auction, lending his enthusiasm to drive up the bids on items like a Larchmont-Mamaroneck version of Monopoly. Made by high school students Jay Fiddelman and Kenneth Venderpool, the game went for $1300.

Popular auction items included a gourmet chocolate dinner created by nationally known chocolate expert and Murray Avenue dad Clay Gordon, which went for more than $3000, and the “Desperate Housewives” party, which, given the number of sign-ups, suggests there are more than a few desperate housewives in Larchmont. Other additions this year were works of art donated by school district art teachers and collections of books by local authors, which added a personal, homegrown element to the many items donated by local merchants and parents.

Enjoying the gala are (from left) George Stone of Julia B. Fee Real Estate; Sabrina Fiddelman, president of the Schools Foundation; Kate Kies, Jenny Gregory and Melina Vourlekis, co-chairs of the event; Cindy Landis, managing director of the Larchmont office of Julia B. Fee; and Randall Katchis, co-owner with George Stone of Julia B. Fee Real Estate, lead corporate sponsor of the event.

In addition to dinner, dancing, and the lively silent and live auction, the event, held at Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club, featured a performance by the award-winning Mamaroneck High School Jazz Band.

It was the final gala for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Sherry King, who reflected on the growth and importance of the partnership that has evolved between the Foundation and the school district over the course of her tenure.

“The gala is a lot of fun to work on, and a lot of fun to attend, but we also feel good knowing we’re supporting our teachers and schools,” summed up Ginny Poleman.

The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation, founded in 1996, is a volunteer non-profit organization that provides the public schools with supplemental funds for innovative programs, materials and enhanced facilities and equipment beyond the regular school budget. To date, MSF has awarded over $1,250,000 in grants for programs in every public school in the district. The Foundation can be reached by phone at (914) 698-9079 or by e-mail at msfoundation@mamkschools.org

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