Washington School Tricky Tray Coming Next Week

Imagine a room filled with baskets of prizes—from kitchenware to gift certificates, iPods to children's toys—all waiting to be won by excited bidders.

Those baskets will be on hand next Thursday, March 29, for the Washington Elementary School Tricky Tray. The biannual basket raffle will be held at Mayfair Farms in West Orange and is sponsored by the school's Home-School Association.

Funds raised at the event will help the operating budget for two years. It is the school's only major fundraiser and HSA organizers say the money "assists the school in its commitment to academic excellence, cultural awareness and social development of our children."

Many of the prizes have been graciously donated by Washington School families and include: Yankees tickets, Devils tickets, a Great Wolf Lodge vacation, and a timeshare stay.

Other prices from local businesses are two American Girl dolls from Bloomfield Pediatrics, a gift package of various services from , a gift card from, a Rexchilla scarf from and a variety of jewelry from Michael Anthony Jewelers.

There is also autographed sports memorabilia from the Giants, Jets, Rangers and Devils, all of which are up for grabs. In addition to these great prizes, a 50/50 raffle will be held at the event. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Tickets for entrance and dinner are $40 each and include a catered dinner. The tickets can be purchased by contacting Melissa Ryder at 973-226-4208 or at melfunari@msn.com.