The Putnam Valley Education Foundation’s
annual Silent Auction fundraiser on March 8th
was in danger of having a low turnout because
of the changeable March weather. But community
members, including many teachers, staff, Board
members, and administrators from the PVCSD, came
out in force in spite of the rain and cold and
enjoyed an evening of wine tasting (compliments
of Marco’s Vino & Spirits), music and
fun that raised more than $12,000 for the Foundation’s
efforts. During the event, held at Camp Combe-YMCA
(thanks to Mary and Thad Gifford-Smith), multi-talented
members of the Putnam Valley High School Jazz
Workshop, led by instrumental music director Ryan
Odell and accompanied by local musician and parent,
Patrick Cummings, enlivened the evening.
The vocalists were Jackson Gilman-Forlini (soloing
on ‘Til There Was You) and Maggie
McCarthy (soloing on Everything), and
band members included Ian Cummings and Conor O'Leary
on drums, Melinda Cestaro on keyboard, Dan Faber-Manning,
Hudson Smith, Kristen Perritano, and Ian Azcue
on sax, Mike Byrne on trumpet and Taylor Kuchera
on trumpet and guitar, Nick Cestaro and Dan Consolazio
on trombone, Ryan Odell on bass, and Barbara Casabianca
and Pat Cummings on guitar.
About the PVEF: The
PVEF was established in 2003 by a group of community
volunteers who hoped to augment the educational
opportunities offered in the Putnam Valley Central
School District. The Foundation’s purpose
is to aid the district in its pursuit of excellence
in education by generating and distributing private
funds that will provide opportunities for innovative
programs and projects. Each year the funds raised
by the Putnam Valley Education Foundation are
used for educationally sound programs and projects
that can not be funded by the district’s
school budget. Each spring, school administrators,
teachers and parents or students with the support
of their building administrator, are encouraged
to submit grant applications. These applications
are reviewed by the Foundation’s Grant Committee.
The Committee determines how best to allocate
funds based upon each applications overall value
to the district.
