Hoboken Education Foundation Raises $120K For Local Schools

HOBOKEN, NJ — It’s nice when you crush a goal.

According to a news release, the Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF) has exceeded its targets, raising more than $120,000 at its 2017 Gala for local public schools. The foundation will use 100% of the gala’s proceeds to deliver a range of student-oriented programs across the district, organizers said.

The brainchild of local passionate public school parents, Jackie Dowd Prince, Erica Gavin and Shirael Pollack, the HPEF has raised more than $220,000 since its inception in August 2015.

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This year’s committee of volunteers included Kate Deer, Zita Doktor, Hannah Gordon, Marie Lippert, Kate McQuestin, Danielle Moss, Leslie Norwood, Marina Palombini and Melissa Shepherd.

Drawing more than 250 attendees and selling out in less than a week, the Foundation’s Annual Gala attracted corporate sponsorship support from a variety of local organizations including SJP Properties, Bijou Properties, KMS Development, Suez Water, Tenafly Pediatrics, The Acupuncture Center and Advance Realty.

“It’s all about building a stronger school community in Hoboken and these funds will go a long way to helping deliver vital initiatives across our public school district,” said Co-Founder and President, Shirael Pollack.

According to the HPEF, the foundation will work with Hoboken Public School District Superintendent Christine Johnson to “identify innovative opportunities for the funds raised in the areas of experiential learning, essential technology, enhanced facilities, and continued improvement of Hoboken's public schools.”

"I commend the Hoboken Public Education Foundation committee's hard work in raising these funds for our local public schools,” said Dr. Johnson. “Harnessing positive energy and building community partnerships like this is vital to enabling our district's children to reach their full potential and creating a better future for Hoboken.”

According to the HPEF, important initiatives already delivered by the foundation include: Professional Development for Teachers and Staff across the district, the Brandt Auditorium Sound System, Calabro Smart Document Cameras, Connors Media Center Books and Turnstile, HJSHS Auditorium Sound & Acoustics System, HJSHS Outdoor Marquis Sign, Wallace Multi-Media Arts Supply Package, Family Science Nights (All grades K-6) and Storm Drain Mural Project with Hoboken Green Team (Grades 5-12).

Individuals and organizations wanting to support the Hoboken Public Education Foundation can contact them at hobokenpef@gmail.com.

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Photos: Hoboken Public Education Foundation