SEPTA Celebrates at Gala
The Huntington Special Education PTA's third annual Sunset and Sounds of the Bay gala celebrated another year of accomplishments for the organization.
The event drew a sell-out crowd, including school board members, building and district level administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents. "It was amazing to see our district united and having a fantastic time," said Kim Scappaticci, who is SEPTA's co-president along with Julie Porzio.
The Willie Steel Band entertained the large crowd for the third consecutive year and the group once again hit a homerun. Participants said the hors d'oeuvres and meal were delicious and the desserts, which were donated by Bon Bons Chocolatier, were "amazing."
The Saturday evening event was a pleasant evening out for everyone. The raffles were impressive, including 32 premium blue ribbon baskets, 12 exclusive red ribbon baskets and 18 items for the live auction, "which raised a lot of money," Ms. Scappaticci said.
A group of hardworking SEPTA volunteers went beyond the call of duty and helped insure a successful event. "I couldn't have asked for anything more," Ms. Scappaticci said. I am so proud of the board and all the volunteers that made this night happen! All of their dedication and hard work paid off this year and SEPTA is going out with a huge bang."
Sunset & Sounds on the Bay is crucial to SEPTA's efforts to raise the funds necessary to support the group's initiatives. "Since this event was such a success, we will be able to provide so many wonderful things next year for special education department staff and parents," Ms. Scappaticci said.
"It was a great night," Huntington Superintendent John J. Finello said. "The huge turnout was very encouraging. It's great to see so much support for SEPTA's important work. It is important for that work to continue next year and far into the future."
"SEPTA's mission every year is to raise money so we can give back to our district. We provide the district fundamental programs, grants, scholarships, materials for the staff and so much more for the teachers and, most importantly, for our children."
The SEPTA board of directors pulled together for what many said was the group's finest gala ever. SEPTA officials thanked Dr. Vicki Mingin, the district's executive director of special education and student support services "for always supporting SEPTA and everything we do."
Dr. Mingin has provided the organization with invaluable guidance through the years and pitched in to help with this year's Sunset & Sounds of the Bay. "We couldn't have done it without her and the support from special education department and staff," Ms. Scappaticci said.
The SEPTA fundraiser just keeps getting bigger-and-bigger. Already there is interest in next year's event. For more information contact SEPTA by sending an e-mail at to huntingtonsepta@gmail.com