Local Non-Profit Raises $65,000 For Children With Special Needs

On April 4, 2019, The Calais Foundation, the fundraising arm of The Calais School in Whippany NJ, celebrated their ninth Gala. The annual event was held at The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, NJ. From the Wine & Whiskey tasting pre-event, to the awards ceremony, and an action packed live auction there were lots of memorable moments.

Celebrity guest Don Oriolo, creative mastermind and son of the creator of “Felix the Cat”, lent his
talents and larger than life personality to the Gala as co-auctioneer. He also donated a custom guitar with an original “Felix the Cat” design which sold at the live auction.

• Charlotte Leitner, founder of The Calais School and recipient of The Making A Difference Award for her lifelong commitment to empowering children with special learning needs.
• Trevor Jones, Treasurer of The Calais Foundation, and recipient of The McClafferty Award for his leadership, dedication, and generosity.
• Maryann Braen, educator at The Calais School and recipient of The Leitner Excellence in Education Award for her ongoing commitment to the learning disabled community through her profession.

Students studying Floral Design & Landscape at The Calais School prepared all of the floral centerpieces and dignitaries’ boutonnieres. Original artwork produced by students under the instruction of Kevin Brooks, The Calais School’s Artist-in-Residence, were displayed throughout the venue.

Perhaps the most impressive contribution from Calais’ students, based on sheer quantity, was the dessert! Under the tutelage of Assistant Principal, Steve Sokolewicz and the school’s nutritionist Kelly Walsh, the Culinary Arts classes worked for several weeks perfecting their donut recipe for the Gala’s first ever donut wall. Ultimately 300 donuts were produced!

Thank you to everyone who showed their support either as a guest, donor, sponsor, or volunteer, we couldn't achieve our mission without you.

About The Calais Foundation

The Calais Foundation helps support The Calais School in their mission to empower children with serious learning and behavioral problems to overcome their disabilities and reach their fullest
potential. This is accomplished through innovative programming, information, education, grants, awareness and support. A special interest is also placed on helping parents overcome and cope with the unique challenges of raising a child with special needs. For more information visit www.calaisfoundation.org.

About The Calais School

The Calais School is a state-approved provider of special education for students in grades K through 12 Plus with multiple learning disabilities including ADHD, reading and math weaknesses, and anxiety, mood, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. The Calais
School provides a safe, nurturing and academically challenging environment for students requiring new behavioral and academic strategies in a non-judgmental atmosphere. For more information visit www.thecalaisschool.org.