Somers Education Foundation to Honor Former Leader at Annual Gala

Again this April the Somers Education Foundation’s annual gala includes several honorees.

This time it’s three individuals and an organization to be inducted into the SEF Hall of Fame. This will bring the total number of members in the Hall to 48.

SEF, founded in 1994 to enhance education with grants and scholarships to the Somers School District, recently topped $1 million in grants.

• When: 7-midnight April 18
• Where: Putnam County Golf Course
• What: SEF Casino Night features games, full reception and dinner, auction and dancing.
• How: Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.sefny.org/casino.

Here’s the third Patch post about the honorees. Meet Steve Rolando:

Steve Rolando made very significant contributions to Somers and its children during the 18 years he lived in town. He was actively involved in numerous organizations, including serving as a Coach and Grade Commissioner for the American Youth Soccer Organization and as Treasurer for the FC Somers Superstars soccer team. He also proudly served a short time in the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. But he had his greatest impact as a 15-year member of the Somers Education Foundation (SEF), in which he served as Secretary for three years and then as President for five years. During this time, SEF awarded more than 200 grants and scholarships totaling more than $700,000. Steve’s leadership helped SEF grow in both its initiatives and fundraising events and in its ability to award grants that have benefited thousands of students. Last June, SEF awarded its One Millionth grant dollar since its founding. Steve retired earlier this year after a distinguished 37-year career at IBM, where he served in numerous key roles. He and his wife, Eniko, now make their home in Kiawah Island, SC. Steve has one daughter, Lauren; a son, Stephen; and one granddaughter, Isabella.

PHOTO/SEF