Cabaret raises $14K for Millstone schools

By: centraljersey.com
MILLSTONE – Millstone Township Foundation for Educational Excellence (MTFEE), a nonprofit organization, raised $14,000 from its second annual Cupid’s Cabaret that was held Feb. 5 at Knob Hill Country Club in Manalapan.
Proceeds from the event will help MTFEE provide grant funding to the Millstone Township School District for new and innovative programs, that are beyond the scope of the general school budget, to enrich and enhance education for the district’s students. They have included classroom programs, educational opportunities, staff development and state-of-the-art teaching materials.
To date, the foundation has awarded more than $390,000 in grants, which have been awarded at every grade level and in every discipline.
The event, sponsored by Valero, included a cocktail reception, dinner and dessert. It also featured New York-caliber cabaret singers including Gina Whalen, of Millstone, chairwoman of the event and MTFEE trustee; Rose Shargo, of Millstone, MTFEE trustee; Mathew Allegretta, of Hackensack; Felicia Grondin, of Millstone; Jay Giberson, of West Long Branch; and Sam Levine, of Marlboro.
Attendees enjoyed songs from the Rat Pack including "Fever," performed by Rose Shargo; "Come On-A My House," performed by Gina Whalen; and "That’s Life," performed by Sam Levine. The cabaret part of the night ended with everyone coming together to sing "That’s Amore." After the dinner show, the DJ opened the dance floor for those who wanted to dance the rest of the night away.
"The entertainment was wonderful," said Millstone residents Joseph and Coleen Raccuglia. "It was a fun night to be out with friends, while supporting our schools at the same time."
"Cupid’s Cabaret was fantastic!" said Chris and Aimee Duffy, of Millstone. "It brought the community together for an amazing cause. Thanks to all who put it together. The event was a great success."
The event featured an array of silent auction items, which were popular with the guests. Some of the top items included an Apple iPad, foursome at Metedeconk Golf Course, the Nook Color, and the Sony Handycam digital HD video camera. There also were a number of fun and "priceless items" including principal/vice principal for the day, as well as front-row seats at the kindergarten show, graduation, middle school play and elementary band/choral concerts.
The big winner of the evening was Linda Kay Griggs, of Millstone, MTFEE trustee, who won $950 from the 50/50 raffle.
"MTFEE was pleased with the night all around – from guests’ enthusiasm to the spectacular entertainment," said Paula Kinsey, MTFEE president. "It was not only a fun and entertaining night, but it was a financial success in which the Millstone Township teachers and students will benefit."
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.mtfee.org.