Exciting New Things for The Blue Ribbon Foundation!

Exciting New Things for The Blue Ribbon Foundation!

Monday, October 29, 2018 ~ BRONXVILLE, NY. Last Thursday evening, long-time Bronxville residents Kristin and Doug Londal hosted a cocktail party to raise awareness and funds for The Blue Ribbon Foundation (BRF), a supporting organization of The Chapel School (TCS). Kristin, who serves as the BRF Board President, welcomed her guests, shared a little bit about initiatives the board supports and introduced current directors in attendance, including: Dr. Urania Poulis-Avery (Vice President), Mr. Steven Nordahl, Mrs. Tiffany Tinson and TCS Principal Mr. Michael Schultz. She also mentioned directors who were unable to attend, including Mr. James Condolff (Treasurer), Mrs. Yasmeen Livingston and Ms. Laurie Meehan (Secretary), before she proudly announced the unanimous approval of the foundation's newest director, Elisa Shevlin Rizzo. Elisa is an accomplished attorney; and, she and her husband Bill (also a TCS Preschool Alum) are lifelong Bronxville residents. Their older four children (Lucy, Billy, John and Sara) all attended TCS Preschool, and their youngest (Danny) is currently in TCS's Junior K Program for 4-year-olds.

"We are so excited to have Elisa join the Blue Ribbon Foundation Board of Directors," commented President Kristin Londal. "Her impressive professional background, deep roots in the local community and love for The Chapel School--and the foundation it has provided all of her children--make her a perfect fit."

Mrs. Londal then introduced the director of The Chapel School Select Choir, Mr. George Heath, who led a small ensemble of choristers through some beautiful musical offerings of thanks, as the BRF recently helped to underwrite an opportunity for the choir to perform at Radio City Music Hall at the end of November. "We are proud to have been able to support STEM initiatives, Tuition Assistance and Fine Arts Programs like TCS's Select Choir," commented BRF Board Vice President, Dr. Urania Poulis-Avery. "The long-term benefits to these children are immeasurable!"

When the choir was done singing, TCS's Director of Technology, Mr. Matthew Martinez, shared a student-produced "thank you" video highlighting recent technology upgrades supported by the foundation and the new Blue Ribbon Foundation Logo which was inspired by the design work of TCS 6th Grader Aidan Olivari. TCS Principal Michael Schultz then spoke briefly about how critical the Blue Ribbon Foundation is to the innovative future of The Chapel School. "For 72 years, we have provided academic excellence in small, wonderfully diverse classes, a wide array of extra-curricular offerings and a safe, nurturing, Christian environment," Schultz said. "But, we are preparing our students for the ever-changing faces of high school, college and a job market that will be virtually brand new by 2030. We rely on investment and support from the Blue Ribbon Foundation to help us develop today's learners into the globally-minded leaders of tomorrow."

To learn more or make a donation to BRF, visit www.BRF-NY.org or call (914) 337-3202.