Finley Hits Mark at Barnes & Noble
A special fundraising day at the Melville Barnes & Noble is now de rigueur for schools in the Huntington School District. Recently, it was J. Taylor Finley Middle School’s turn and the PTA pulled off a memorable all-day event.
Parents, faculty and staff filtered through the store throughout the afternoon and evening. The PTA received a percentage of sales generated through the use of a Finley coupon created just for the school community.
The Barnes & Noble on Route 110 has worked closely with individual Huntington PTAs and the store repeated that practice with the folks from Finley. The 12-hour marathon raised hundreds of dollars that will be used for various worthwhile endeavors.
After Finley dismissed for the day, the store started to fill with students and teachers. Principal John Amato, Assistant Principal Ken Parham and guidance counselor Phil Lowe worked in the store café, selling brownies and refreshments.
Later, while Mr. Amato was performing an animated reading for an enthralled audience, Finley music teacher backed up the principal with some inspired drum playing. It made for a memorable combination.
Members of Finley’s advanced band and orchestra performed various selections to the delight of store customers. Visitors to the store were a verifiable who’s who of the Huntington School District. Wayne Edwards, district director of mathematics turned out to show his support for the PTA and the school, as did many others who swung by the store despite the stormy weather.
Barnes & Noble store manager Debra Gainor has been very supportive of these initiatives to benefit Huntington students. Since the fundraiser was held on a weather-challenged day, Ms. Gainor extended the validity of the coupons for the ensuing weekend, lifting the final amount raised. Even youngsters from the intermediate and primary grade levels turned out. Coupons were distributed at those schools, too.
“We really appreciate Barnes & Noble working with our PTAs and staff members,” Superintendent John J. Finello said. “These events are fun, raise money for educational purposes and promote a love for reading.”
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