Schools
Chappaqua School Foundation to Host Annual Benefit
Supporters of Chappaqua schools will enjoy a night of food, fun and grand prix racing while raising money for innovative educational programs.
"Gentlemen and Ladies, start your engines," is not the common kick-off phrase for a gathering of parents and educators. But the Chappaqua School Foundation (CSF) is encouraging people to don jumpsuits and hop behind the wheel for their Annual Spring Fundraiser on April 30. The action will take place at Grand Prix New York in Mount Kisco at "Steering Our Schools Forward," a dinner, silent auction and racing event serving as CSF's main fundraiser of the year.
"Our 16th Annual Spring Benefit promises to be a fun-filled evening," said Randi Kreisler, co-chair for this year's gala. "It will also be an excellent chance to showcase some of the grants we have funded and a way to thank the community for 'steering our schools forward,'" she added.
CSF was founded in 1993 as a community-supported, tax-exempt foundation. "Our original mission remains," noted current CSF President Leslie Koch. "To enhance the educational experience of children in Chappaqua schools by funding innovative educational programs that are not covered by the school district budget. Grants from CSF enable our educators to test new teaching ideas and new technology or interdisciplinary programs, with the goal of having a lasting positive impact on our children," she said.
Grants awarded in 2009 include SMART boards for middle school social studies, digital document cameras for three schools, digital camcorders for elementary schools and 14 other projects. Requests are submitted to CSF from teachers, students, parents and administrators. "Our grants fund projects and purchases that are beyond the scope of the school district budget," Koch said. "We feel strongly that having a cutting edge school district benefits us all."
The Chappaqua community agrees and CSF has been gratified to receive enthusiastic support from businesses in the area. "An exciting part of this year's event is the involvement of local merchants," said gala co-chair Ingrid Hershman. "Many merchants in Chappaqua have joined forces with us to help us reach our financial goal. In return, we are asking our supporters to Shop Locally! It's a great partnership that strengthens our schools and our community," she added.
In addition to great food, fun fellowship and exciting racing, the evening will include a silent auction with items including Yankee Legend Suite tickets, dinner for eight in your home by a private chef, two-night stay at the Berkshires' Cranwell Resort Spa and many other unique items.
The gala event will also feature a performance by the Enchords, a Horace Greeley High School a capella group.
But the real action will be on the track where people will be "putting their pedal to the metal" to ensure Chappaqua schools are the best they can be.
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