NHSF Annual Gala, "Denim and Diamonds" to Benefit New Haven Students and Teachers

The New Haven Schools Foundation (NHSF) is thrilled to present its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, which supports quality student activities and educational programs. The theme for this year’s gala is “Denim and Diamonds” and all are invited to come dressed in elevating the element of denim comfort with the elegance of diamonds. Guests can look forward to dining on gourmet dinner and trying their luck at the casino games. Everyone is in for a fabulous and fun-filled evening, all for a worthwhile cause.

NHSF President, John Shockley is excited about this year’s theme. “I think it’ll be a lot of fun!” He added, “The Gala is the Foundation’s largest fundraising event of the year. It will help set up the Foundation to grow and provide even more funding this year for our students and teachers through scholarships and grants.”

NHSF Vice President Bridget Russell returns as the gala’s stalwart planner. “This year’s gala is a casual yet elegant theme with our Denim & Diamonds. Our guests can be comfortable in their jeans and cowboy boots but still come blinged out! We will have a professional line dance instructor, gourmet food, a no-host bar with great Napa Valley wines and specialty cocktails and a wonderful espresso cart to top off the evening. Our guests can gamble the night away and turn in the winnings for raffle tickets for some great prizes and our ever popular Poker Tournament is back - the tournament always sells out so get your tickets early!”

Gala tickets are priced at $100 per person (or $175 per pair) and include a gourmet buffet dinner, dessert, espresso, as well as “$1,000” in play chips to try their luck at classic casino games (blackjack, roulette, etc.). Those looking forward to the popular Texas Hold ‘Em tournament can rest assured that they can again join the fun with an additional $25 entry fee. A VIP table of 10 comes with a long list of extra amenities to make the evening all the more special.

The event takes place at the Mark Green Sports Center in Union City and guests are encouraged to park their vehicles at the Holly Center where a complimentary shuttle service will take them to and from both sites throughout the evening.

This year, in addition to the Live Auction and a Silent Auction, those who are unable to attend the gala can still support the Foundation’s efforts by participating in an online auction where you can bid on incredible trips and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The link to the online auction can be found on the Foundation’s website: nhsfoundation.org.

All of the proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Foundation’s educational programs. The NHSF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides supplemental financial support to the educators and youth of the New Haven Unified District community through the sponsorship of several ongoing grant programs. The Innovations in Education consists of classroom mini-grant programs for elementary schools). Project Enrichment is a mini-grant program that promotes co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The Brian Kelly Tutoring Program supports academic tutoring programs, while the Virginia Swihart Beginning Teacher Fund grants funding for classroom supplies for new teachers. But the jewel that stands out is NHSF’s hugely successful Pathways to Success program, which offers scholarship opportunities for the district’s high school seniors. This year, the Foundation awarded $100,000 to New Haven high school graduates.

The continuity of such programs is vital to the sustenance and preservation of the New Haven School District’s efforts to develop and empower its students. These programs are why fundraising events like the gala are so important. NHSF Executive Director Helen Kennedy has previously stated, “The social aspect [of the gala] creates an opportunity to mingle with people who really care about our youth. Connections are made and friendships forged. It is nice to have a chance to socialize outside of business hours with others who share our purpose. We can only do this with the generous support of our community.”

Maintaining the Foundation’s productivity and success is no small feat and its Board members are committed to helping the organization reach its mission and goals. They hope to encourage, engage, and inspire New Haven teachers and students by providing them with opportunities to succeed. Come support them and join the Foundation on September 19th at the “Denim and Diamonds” gala. Where else can you sparkle and dazzle in western wear and have fun while doing great things?

“Denim and Diamonds” Fundraising Gala

Benefitting the New Haven Schools Foundation

Saturday, September 19, 2015

6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Mark Green Sports Center, 31224 Union City Blvd., Union City

(Western semi-formal attire, no shorts; Must be 21 years and older to attend)

Tickets and sponsorship information can be found at www.nhsfoundation.org.