The Haldane School Foundation announced it raised more than $30,000 at its annual winter fundraiser held last Saturday, March 19 at the Dutchess Manor. The money raised will fund educational enrichment programs for school assemblies, guest speakers, training for teachers, field trips, the high school language immersion weekend, the groundbreaking Eco Garden and other programs that fall outside the annual school budget each year. This year’s Crystal Ball showcased delicious food and drinks and lively entertainment including fortune tellers, a magician, a live band during the cocktail hour and dancing late into the night, all to benefit the students of Haldane.
One of the highlights of the evening was a live auction with many items donated by local businesses and members of the community. Thanks to the generosity of the Crystal Ball attendees, many of the items were sold for over their retail value as good-natured bidding competitions broke out during the auction. The auctioneer ended the auction by asking attendees to bid money toward Haldane’s Technology Enhancement Project. This program provides the latest technology for Haldane classrooms (such as Smart Boards and laptop computers.) Over $7,500 was donated for this item alone.
“The Crystal Ball was a lot of fun and everyone had a great time raising money for this wonderful cause,” said Linda Speziale, Crystal Ball co-chair and Haldane School Foundation Trustee. “On behalf of the Haldane School Foundation, I would like to thank all of the Crystal Ball sponsors, donors and attendees.” The Haldane School Foundation is a community-based nonprofit organization, registered with New York State as a 501(c)(3), which raises funds to help enrich the curriculum and support staff development at Haldane Central School District.
Photo courtesy of Haldane Foundation
