Huntington Foundation Parties for Public Education
It was a night filled with food, fun and friendship as the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education celebrated more than 350 years of public education in the community at the Crest Hollow in Woodbury last Friday evening.
A crowd of more than 160 turned out for the 21st Reach for the Stars gala. The Huntington Foundation presented longtime district librarian Patricia Dillon with the organization’s Spirit Award for her more than two decades of service to the community. The veteran educator told the crowd of the joy she experiences working with high school students each day, encouraging them and offering them advice on research projects, academic issues, colleges and careers.
The crowd bought hundreds of chances on 36 different raffle baskets stuffed with items donated by local businesses and community members. Professional auctioneer Jeff Klaverweiden conducted a live auction for ten other items, raising thousands of additional dollars for HFEE’s important work.
Talented Huntington High School strings students Christian Jamison (violin), Melany Lanham-Ciancia (violin), Holly Grabowski (viola), Samuel Latt (cello) and Benjamin Nikodem (bass) entertained the crowd during the cocktail hour, which included various passed appetizers, specialty pizzas and pastas.
Dinner consisted of medallions of beef sliced and served with bordelaise sauce, chicken Francaise served over a bed of fresh spinach and sea bass livornese with plum tomato, fresh garlic and capers. Dessert included vanilla ice cream wrapped in a chocolate cake. A DJ provided music throughout the evening. Many took the opportunity to dance on the spacious floor.
“It was a wonderful night all around and a chance for attendees to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate what we do together in support of the Huntington learning community,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “It was also a pleasure to honor Huntington icon Pat Dillon for her many years of professional contributions and for going above and beyond for our students routinely.”
The crowd included many district, building and department level administrators, teachers, parents and other community members. State Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci stayed throughout the evening, presenting Mrs. Dillon with an Assembly citation and a State Senate proclamation on behalf of Senator Carl Marcellino. Town Councilwoman Susan Berland was also on hand to present a proclamation to Mrs. Dillon on behalf of the Huntington Town Board.
Proceeds from last Friday night’s gala will go toward replenishing funds for two grant programs that encourage innovative programs and equipment that budget constraints prevent the district from supporting.
Gala chairperson Laurene Napurano organized the five-hour event with the help of a dedicated group of Huntington Foundation volunteers who helped to make the evening an enjoyable one for those in attendance.
The Huntington Foundation is led by Maria Cassar (president), Sheri Lewis-Taylor (vice president-grants administration), Karann Pashkin (treasurer), Janice Kimchy (vice president-marketing), Nancy Shiver (recording secretary), Laurene Napurano (gala chairperson), Melissa Ryan (liaison director) and directors Michael Grassi, Lisa Karasik, Marilyn Maggio, Charles Menacho, Shari Harris, Peggy Low, Toniann Mangan, Robin O’Leary and Monica Tine. Huntington School Board members dotted last Friday night’s crowd. Mrs. Dillon’s children shared the evening with her along with the many of the teaching legend’s colleagues from the South Huntington School District where she served as vice-president of the board of education and is an elected member of public library’s board.
Over the past two decades, the Huntington Foundation has provided about than $850,000 to the district through its mini-grant and Star grant programs, reaching into every school and every grade level as well as athletics, music, art and even clubs.