The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education (HFEE) announced its annual Reach for the Stars Gala on March 15, 2018 officially raised over $50,000 to further its programs and grant funding. With nearly 350 people in attendance at Oheka Castle, the annual Reach for the Stars Gala was also the 25th Anniversary celebration of HFEE, with a theme of a silver 25th Anniversary running throughout the evening.
Guests at Oheka were delighted with a jam-packed evening of entertainment, delicious food, and inspiring speeches. A lively cocktail hour included a strolling Mentalist, “Tonal Control Acapella” – a pop-up/flash mob a cappella group, Huntington district parent and talented guitarist Joe Tizzio, and host of raffles and mystery boxes, in addition to a silver car giveaway sponsored by Toyota of Huntington.
As the cocktail hour wound down, guests were invited into the main ballroom of Oheka Castle. There, district honoree Jarrett Stein was recognized by HUFSD Superintendent James Polansky, and Huntington Athletic Director Georgia McCarthy. Community honorees Rich and Bob McKean, introduced by HFEE President Alice Marie Rorke and Main Street Nursery Manager and HFEE Board Member Laura Mills, were celebrated for their contributions and accomplishments across our great community. Main Street Nursery was equally lauded for its role in supporting HUFSD as well as the greater Town of Huntington, from many beautifying projects to playing host to countless events on site. Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci furthered the recognition of all honorees by presenting formal Town Proclamations.
The Funk Collective, a renowned NYC entertainment group, played to the crowd and set an exciting atmosphere for dancing and celebrating. While guests enjoyed a duo of filet mignon and Chilean sea bass, another surprise was assembling to showcase the depth and breadth of Huntington’s great clubs and programs. To the delight of guests, the Huntington Step Team took center stage and performed a custom routine designed specifically for HFEE. Bringing the crowd to its feet, the Step Team wowed the audience with their sophistication and skill. Live auctions and dancing brought the evening to a close, but not before helping raise over $50,000 for HFEE.
Missed the event? Highlights, speeches, and excitement were captured live on Facebook! Visit our Facebook page for videos, pictures and post-event updates, including upcoming grants funded!
About the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education (HFEE): With an ambitious and important mission, the Huntington Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of the Huntington Public Schools in education, the arts, and athletics. From state-of-the-art technology and equipment to cutting-edge teaching techniques, the educator-generated grants we fund expand our students’ curriculum as well as their enthusiasm for learning. As an all-volunteer group of education supporters, we work with a board of directors to fund innovative and exciting educational opportunities for all children in the district. This funding affords our teachers access to educational programs that are not funded by the school budget. Often these new programs are then incorporated into the curriculum on an ongoing basis.