The Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club was the setting Saturday evening for a gala fundraiser and auction, “CRYSTAL BALL: Investing in Our Children’s Future,” celebrating the 15^th anniversary of the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation. The Crystal Ball Gala helped raise over $90,000—the same as in 2010—which will help the Foundation continue to award grants for programs that will benefit all of the district’s schools and students.

The Foundation is a non-profit organization—independent of the school district—that provides teacher and administrative-initiated grants to all six Mamaroneck public schools: Mamaroneck High School, Hommocks Middle School, Murray Avenue School, Mamaroneck Avenue School, Chatsworth Avenue School and Central School.

The Foundation has awarded grants not ordinarily funded by the district for programs ranging from green initiatives to cyber-bullying awareness and literacy programs. 

Formal grant applications are submitted to the Grant Selection Committee—a 13-member panel—for review before they are approved.  Like a “jury deliberation,” the panel goes through an extensive review process to put forth an “equitable slant” so that different curriculums and schools will be represented within the district, said Marlene Gold, a board member.

“We have five and a half thousand kids in the Mamaroneck school district, and budgets are challenged now so we aim to fill and refill the schools’ needs,” said event Co-Chair Rebecca Charles.

“It really is an ongoing task of ours, but we have made great strides and have raised nearly $3 million in the past 15 years. Our goal is to enhance the educational experience on a full range of levels, one way or another, and touch the lives of children in our district.”

The club is located in a splendid, waterfront setting off the beaten path. The evening’s crystal theme was evident as glass votives lit up tables and crystal beads hung from the ceiling, making the club’s main dining room sparkle.

Guests mingled during the lengthy during cocktail hour, many bidding on auction items ranging from the modest to grand, including gift baskets and concert tickets. All who came seemed genuinely enthusiastic about the cause. First-time attendee Amy Sack was among them. “I am very fortunate to be part of this, and am interested to see what it’s all about.” 

Foundation President Ginny Poleman—mother of a ninth grader at Mamaroneck High School—was anticipating another positive year ahead. “We have an excellent relationship with the school district, and are hoping to build an evolving relationship with the new Superintendent of Schools which has gotten off to a great start,” she said.

“We have recently awarded a grant proposed by the assistant principal at Hommocks that focuses on cyber-bullying. It will involve teacher and staff training, parental presentations and student assemblies all focusing on awareness of this problem and ways to combat it,” she said describing the initiatives spurred by the Foundation.

Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner in the crystal-themed dining room as Poleman presented a video highlighting programs funded by the Foundation's grants. The audience was rapt with attention when New York State Assemblyman George Latimer drew the winning raffle prizes, an iPad 2 and a luxury necklace, followed by the evening’s live auction hosted by Q-104 radio personality Jim Kerr.