HOBOKEN PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION GALA RAISES $120,000

Posted on May 25, 2017 in hNOW, News

(via press release)

The Hoboken Public Education Foundation has exceeded its targets, raising more than $120,000 at its 2017 Gala for local public schools.

Committed to strengthening and enriching Hoboken’s public education experience through private funding, the Foundation will use 100% of the Gala’s proceeds to deliver a range of innovative and meaningful programs across the district.

The brainchild of local passionate public school parents, Jackie Dowd Prince, Erica Gavin and Shirael Pollack, the Hoboken Pubic Education Foundation has raised more than $220,000 since its inception in August 2015.

The founders were joined by an extended committee of volunteers including Kate Deer, Zita Doktor, Hannah Gordon, Marie Lippert, Kate McQuestin, Danielle Moss, Leslie Norwood, Marina Palombini and Melissa Shepherd—all of whom organized the successful 2017 Hoboken Public Education Foundation Gala.

Shirael Pollack and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer

Drawing more than 250 attendees to the W Hotel on Hoboken’s scenic waterfront and selling out in less than a week, the Foundation’s Annual Gala attracted corporate sponsorship support from a variety of local organizations, including SJP Properties, Bijou Properties, KMS Development, SUEZ Water, Tenafly Pediatrics, The Acupuncture Center and Advance Realty.

A range of products and experiences were also generously donated from local businesses for the Gala auction and raffle.

“We are thrilled to have exceeded our targets and to have raised more than $120,000 at this year’s Gala for Hoboken public schools,” said Co-Founder and President, Shirael Pollack.

“Support from these fantastic organizations, donations, and event attendance is imperative to us preserving and improving the public education experience for the students of Hoboken.”

“We can only achieve our goals with the help of the community as a whole and are ecstatic with the support we have received for this year’s Gala.”

“It’s all about building a stronger school community in Hoboken and these funds will go a long way to helping deliver vital initiatives across our public school district,” said Ms. Pollack.

Dr. Christine Johnson with Shirael Pollack

The foundation will work with Hoboken Public School District Superintendent, Dr. Christine Johnson to identify innovative opportunities for the funds raised in the areas of experiential learning, essential technology, enhanced facilities, and continued improvement of Hoboken’s public schools.

“I commend the Hoboken Public Education Foundation committee’s hard work in raising these funds for our local public schools,” said Dr. Johnson.

“Harnessing positive energy and building community partnerships like this is vital to enabling our district’s children to reach their full potential and creating a better future for Hoboken,” said Dr. Johnson.

To date, important initiatives already delivered by the Hoboken Public Education Foundation include: Professional Development for Teachers and Staff across the district, the Brandt Auditorium Sound System, Calabro Smart Document Cameras, Connors Media Center Books and Turnstile, HJSHS Auditorium Sound & Acoustics System, HJSHS Outdoor Marquis Sign, Wallace Multi-Media Arts Supply Package, Family Science Nights (All grades K-6) and Storm Drain Mural Project with Hoboken Green Team (Grades 5-12).

Individuals and organizations wanting to support the Hoboken Public Education Foundation can contact them at hobokenpef@gmail.com.

Tags: Hoboken High School