The Foundation regularly holds fundraising events in Croton. Here are some photos and press releases from past events:
Dine-A-Round 2009 Sells Out, Second Year in a Row
The fourth annual CHEF Dine-A-Round was a huge success this weekend, raising over $10,000 to support the Croton-Harmon Schools.
The evening started at 6pm with appetizers at the stunning home of Bruce and Electra Martin. The Martin home is stunning and spacious . Guests mingled while listening to the talented Croton-Harmon High School string musicians, directed by Sara Worden.
Pictured above: the Croton High School String Musicians led by Sarah Worden
Pictured above (l-r): Bruce & Electa Martin, Bianca Mancinelli Director & Demetra Restuccia, Co-Chair of CHEF Fundraising
Pictured above, Lisa Cohen, board member of CHEF and guests enjoying appetizers at the Martin’s home
At 8pm, guests divided up for dinner at 12 different homes around town. The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly while catching up with old friends and meeting new friends along the way.
Pictured above: Home of Sarah & Mike Murphy — a beautiful setting!
After dinner, dessert and dancing was at the incredible home of Joe Slakas and Barbara Hart. Guests indulged in sumptuous desserts while dancing their socks off to Croton’s very own, The Real Rough Diamonds.
Pictured above: The Real Rough Diamonds rock the dessert house!
Demetra Restuccia, co-chair of the event said, “I am thrilled to once again have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people on an incredible event. This evening would not be possible without the support of so many special hosts and hostesses. I am very grateful for their participation.”
Bianca Mancinelli, Director of Fundraising for CHEF said, “Thank you to so many in the community that showed up in support of our schools including The Real Rough Diamonds, who played their soulful rock n’ roll until the early hours of the morning.”
Pictured above: Gem Mitchell, President of CHEF and Bianca Mancinelli,
Director of Fundraising for CHEF
Mark your calendars now for the next big CHEF fundraiser. The Under The Stars Dinner Dance will be May 30h at the Senasqua Lodge in Croton Point Park– you won’t want to miss this wonderful opportunity to support your local schools.
Past Events
Modern House Tour – A Beautiful Afternoon!
CHEF hosted our first ever Modern House Tour on Sunday, September 14th. The sun was shining as dozens of people wandered on this self-guided tour through five fabulous Croton modern homes. CHEF raised over $2000 for the Croton-Harom Schools and received wonderful feedback from participants about the event. Bianca Mancinelli, CHEF’s Fundraising Director, said, “We have tapped into a great local interest regarding art and architecture. I am so grateful to the homeowners for sharing their homes and their hearts with CHEF in order to benefit our Croton-Harmon Schools. This event will become an annual fundraiser and we look forward to hosting a tour each year with a different architectural style.” View pictures from the Modern House Tour
School’s In – Eat Out Fundraiser A Huge Success!
CHEF kicked off back to school on Wednesday, Sept 10th with a new fundraiser, Schools In – Eat Out. Families ate out at local Croton restaurants and a portion of the check was donated to CHEF. This great new event caused restaurants around town to be bustling all night long and was a great way to support our schools, raising over $1500 for CHEF.
The participating restaurants included Capriccio II, Croton Colonial Diner, Forty Four Tapas, Justin Thyme Cafe, Memphis Mae’s, Samurai, Sofia’s, The Tavern at Croton Landing (Honey’s) and Umami. Bianca Mancinelli, Fundraising Director said “I am so appreciative of the support and positive feedback we received from all of the restaurants. This event was successful because of their generosity and contribution to the Croton-Harmon school district. This truly was a community event!”
Gem Mitchell, CHEF President, said, “What a fabulous way to support local restaurants and support our schools at the same time!It was wonderful seeing so many families out this evening. The children were happy to be out enjoying dinner and the parents were happy that they didn’t have to cook it! We may have to do this event every month!”
CHEF Raises over $62,000 at the May 10th Under the Stars Celebration at Croton Point Park
On Saturday May 10th, The Croton-Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF) hosted its eighth annual Under the Stars Dinner Dance and Auction, at Senasqua Lodge in
Croton
Point
Park. This year, over 350 attendees helped Under the Stars to raise over $62,000 in support of Croton-Harmon schools.
Susannah Johnston chaired the event and, with the help of an army of local volunteers, the night was a huge success. Lighting arrangements and installation donated by local residents Sal Restuccia, Greg Cohen, and Bob Schwamb, along with Chris McMeen of Scharff Weisberg Lighting, in
Manhattan, transformed Senasqua Lodge for this magical evening.Many attendees began the festivities with a wonderful wine tasting hosted by Patrice Davidson. Throughout the event,Scott Vaccaro of Captain Lawrence Brewery in Pleasantville served two of his most popular brews, “Freshchester” Pale Ale and Liquid Gold. Many outstanding restaurants and markets donated delicious food for appetizers, dinner and dessert. Appetizers were provided by A&S Fine Foods, Cole’s Market, Goldfish, Grouchy Gabe’s, Samurai, Yama Fuji Sushi, and Zeytinia. Evan Lobel, of Lobel’s of
New York, Jeff and Fran Kadish of Main Street Restaurant Partners, and Neil Ferguson and Brian Sitts of Monteverde restaurant, donated their wonderful dinner creations. The Blue Pig and Umami provided delicious desserts. Westchester’s hottest DJ, Curt Love of the Curtis Winchester Band, provided music for the evening.
In addition to great food, drink, dancing and music there was an exciting array of silent auction and raffle items, donated by countless local businesses and residents. Loren Zeitler won the raffle grand prize, a new MacBook Air and iPhone, and said she was “very excited to start using it!”
Gem Mitchell, CHEF President, said, “What a fantastic night for the Croton Community. I am thrilled to see so many people out tonight in support of our schools. I am grateful to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of this event.”
A remarkable amount of time and effort goes into making Under The Stars a success. Planning for next year’s event will start soon. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact CHEF at (914) 271-6993.