Rumson Education Foundation Sponsored Speakeasy Casino Night

The Rumson Education Foundation (REF) hosted its annual “Celebration for Education” fundraiser on November 19, 2016 at the Rumson Country Club’s main clubhouse. The theme of this year’s event was “A Speakeasy Casino Night” which featured blackjack, roulette and craps tables. Over 250 guests enjoyed Prohibition Era inspired cocktails, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a live and silent auction, a Roaring Twenties-themed photo booth, games and prizes.

Event co-chairs Kristen Hall and Curran Scoble noted that guests also enjoyed custom-made Prohibition Era party favor cookies donated by Cups & Cakes Bakery in Rumson. They gratefully acknowledged the generous major events sponsors of the evening. These included Invitation Sponsor Monmouth Medical Center/RWJ Barnabas Health; Flapper & Dapper Photo Booth Sponsor The Pucci Family; 21st Amendment Sponsor Let’s Go Racing Stables; Roaring Twenties Sponsor Notorious Pink Rosé; Casino Program Sponsor Crazees Ice Cream; and Live Auction Sponsor Tallen Technology Rentals.

The co-chairs added that a very important fundraising element of the event was the REF business and family ad journal made possible thanks to photographers Marnie Doherty, Stacey Lyle and Lewis Sasaki, who donated their time and talents for complimentary sittings for all the family ad patrons.

Lucky winners during the evening were able to “cash” in their winnings for chance auction tickets featuring fifty unique gift baskets each valued between $150-$450 generously donated by local businesses, school families, and community members. Four priceless opportunities that were a part of the Live Auction included a private dinner party for 12 with Chef James Avery, owner of The Bonney Read and Gordon Ramsay’s sous chef on the hit television show, Hell’s Kitchen; a chance for the winner’s children to be honorary team members for the day on the Rumson-Fair Haven Boys & Girls Varsity Basketball Teams hosted by Boys Varsity Coach Chris Champeau and Girls Varsity Coach Dave Callahan; a VIP experience at the Rumson Tree Lighting featuring a family fire truck ride to the event plus an on-stage appearance for the winner’s children with Tim McCloone and members of Holiday Express; and the chance for the winner’s children to throw a pie in the face of School Superintendent Dr. John Bormann and his administrative team. Talk about being a good sport! Several other auction opportunities were available.

Since its inception, the REF has raised and granted over $2 million to fund innovative projects, initiatives and equipment that enrich the curriculum and learning environment with the Rumson Public School District.

REF President Mary Pat Moriarty said, “The REF Board of Directors truly looks forward to hosting this fundraiser because it gives us a special opportunity to recognize our generous benefactors and bring together our parent community to kick off the fundraising initiatives for the school year. The overwhelming success of this year’s event allowed us to raise the funds necessary to complete Phase II of the Innovation Classroom. Having Dr. Bormann and his Administrative team at the event gave our donors the chance to hear first-hand how instrumental their support is and how their donations empower the District’s commitment to providing an exemplary education for every student in the Deane Porter and Forrestdale Schools.”

Event Co-chair and REF Board member Kristen Hall said, “The REF’s annual Celebration for Education was a roaring success. Over 250 guests dressed in their best prohibition chic ensembles enjoying an evening of glitz and glamour to support the completion of the Innovation Classroom Initiative.”