Washington School Tricky Tray a Success

Around 400 men and women crowded into a banquet room at Mayfair Farms in West Orange to take part in the biannual Tricky Tray fundraiser.

There were approximately 400 baskets up for grabs—with big prizes that included an iPad, a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge and a weekend in the Berkshires. But perhaps the biggest prize of the night was the 50/50 raffle, which had a grand total of around $5,400 and was won by a woman in Florham Park who did not attend the event.

Principal Barbara Adams, who called out the majority of the raffle ticket winners, said the money raised will augment programs at the school over the next two years. She said the total raised is not known yet, but the money will pay for items such as cultural programs and assemblies, lunchtime programs, including healthy snack days, and subsidies to offset the cost of field trips for students, among others.

The entire event was organized by numerous volunteers, all parents of students at Washington School. The volunteers solicited prizes, wrapped baskets, stored and transported the prizes, then worked tirelessly during the event to hand the gifts to the winners—in addition to selling tickets.

Participants got into the festive spirit of the evening—some wearing hats and using noisemakers, others waving wands that were provided to the tables along with several other door prizes.

Though doors opened at 6:30, the room filled with pink, green, purple and yellow basket prizes was soon swarmed with excited bidders, who were stuffing tickets up until the final minutes.

Those who attended were treated to a hot three-course meal and dessert as part of the price of admission.

Washington School is the largest elementary school in the and has approximately 400 students.