Reach For The Stars' Gala Raises $50,000 For Foundation
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The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s annual gala raised over $50,000.
The Reach for the Stars Gala, hosted March 15 at Oheka Castle, drew over 350 people. Along with raising funds for HFEE programming and grant funding, the gala was a celebration of the foundation’s 25th anniversary.
The evening was jam-packed with entertainment, food and inspiring speeches. The cocktail hour included a strolling Mentalist, Huntington district parent and talented guitarist Joe Tizzio and “Tonal Control Acapella” – a flash mob a cappella group. There were also a host of raffles and mystery boxes, in addition to a silver car giveaway sponsored by Toyota of Huntington.
In the main ballroom, district honoree Jarrett Stein was recognized by Huntington Superintendent James Polansky and 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. Huntington Supervisor Chad Lupinacci presented formal proclamations to each of the honorees.
Lupinacci said, “Assistant Principal Stein and Rich and Bob McKean serve the Huntington community for the benefit of us all – Mr. Stein’s tireless efforts ensure his students’ success and safety.
“While Main Street Nursery not only provides the scenic backdrop for prom pictures for Huntington High School students but they also beautify some of the most highly trafficked areas in our town as a gift to our community.”
The Funk Collective, a New York City entertainment group, played to the crowd, which danced and celebrated.
The Huntington Step Team also took center stage to perform a custom routine designed specifically for HFEE that brought the crowd to its feet.
Funds raised by the gala will go toward HFEE’s mission of enhancing the quality of the Huntington Public Schools in education, the arts and athletics.
