"Evening For Our Future" raises about $42,000
By: Jake Uitti
MONTGOMERY The Montgomery Township Education Foundation held its first evening fund-raising event March 31, dubbed an "Evening For Our Future," which raised about $42,000 for the foundation’s programs.
"The event was truly spectacular, with over 220 guests that enjoyed an evening complete with special musical selections with flute and piano and a jazz quartet later in the evening," Rich Smith, a foundation board member and liaison to the foundation’s Event Committee, said. "The guests enjoyed wonderful food catered by Culinary Creations of Hillsborough and an extensive and unique auction."
The foundation has meetings scheduled with the district’s principals and some teachers to get suggestions on where the money is needed.
"We want to develop a grant program where teachers can submit an application to their principal, and it would then be forwarded to us so we can award the funds to the best uses," Mr. Smith added.
The Evening For Our Future was held in the commons of Montgomery’s new high school, which was transformed into a "warm and inviting venue," Mr. Smith said. "It was a great event attended by residents, teachers, community leaders and school administrators. The decorations were fantastic, there was so much work done by the Event Committee. We owe them all a great deal of thanks. It was one of those evenings that makes you proud to live in Montgomery."
Money was raised from three sources. Both ticket sales and donations generated revenue, Mr. Smith said, and there was also a silent auction that had about 80 items and raised about half of the $42,000.
Among the 80 offerings at the auction, Township Committeeman John Warms and Dutchtown Nursery owner Frank Drift together donated their services to cook an Italian dinner for six to the highest bidder. Tiger’s Tale donated the opportunity to be a "bartender for the night." Jim Holanda of Patriot Media donated sports memorabilia and tickets to a taping of Emeril Live. Joe and Kathy Huston donated a one-week use of a condo in Orlando, Fla.
The foundation’s Event Committee of 24 members had worked on the affair for nine months, and both the Event Committee and the foundation’s board and trustees were overwhelmed by the success of the evening, Mr. Smith said.
The Montgomery Township Education Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization that funds programs that benefit Montgomery Township’s public school children.
"The foundation’s goal is to raise money and improve our children’s educational experience by acquiring supplies and equipment not otherwise available, and by funding innovative teaching and learning systems," Mr. Smith added.
Projects the foundation has supported include Cougar Stadium, an all-weather, artificial-turf field with stadium seating at the Montgomery High School, a portable planetarium that was set up at the event for guests to step inside and view the solar system, color guard uniforms and several projects promoting literacy and help for "at-risk" students.
The Education Foundation is looking for volunteers and new members. More information is available at www.mtefnj.org.

