Foundation Finds Unique Way to Raise Funds for Trenton Schools

There are endless ways to raise money for schools. Many of them are dull and uneventful. This is not one of them.

The first-ever Trenton Education Foundation (TEF) Signature Event is packed with art auctions, activities, prizes and a game show testing the trivial wit of Trenton's own school principals.

The game show appears to be the highlight of the evening, aside from the whole helping the children thing. The competition pits principals from all four Trenton Public Schools against one another, while host city Councilman William LeFevre delivers brain-busting questions like: What is the oldest college in the United States?

’s principal, Michael Doyle; ’s principal, Stephanie O’Connor; ’s principal, Vincent Porreca; and ’s principal, Douglas Mentzer will try to be the first to answer trivia questions for bragging rights and cash prizes for the school project of their choice.

The principals and LeFever, who was wearing an orange and blue psychedelic suit, had a day to practice for the event on Friday at Fratello's Restaurant in Trenton, and it looks like O'Connor is the favored contestant.

The kids attending Trenton Public Schools are the real winners, of course. The event was designed by the TEF to raise money to help fund special school projects.

Established in 2008, the TEF is a non-profit corporation that provides "mini-grants that teachers can seek to help fund special projects and activities not within the budget," according to a TEF release.

Applicants like teachers, school administrators and Trenton graduates can submit an application describing the benefits of a special project to be eligible for a grant of up to $750.

The judges that decide who gets a project funded are also the brains behind the Signature Event and members of the TEF. David French is chairman of the TEF and promises many surprises on the night of the event.

"The TEF Signature Event will be a fun-filled evening with people from all different backgrounds coming together for one purpose--to support education in Trenton," French said.

The big night takes place at 6 p.m. Nov. 2 at Fratello's Restaurant and French says waiting until the last minute to buy a ticket is a big mistake, because tickets are selling fast.

Rumor has it that LeFevre has an even wilder suit planned for the night of the event.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at , the , and , or by emailing Sue Yee at yees100@hotmail.com.

For more information or to purchase an event sponsorship contact Mike McCullough 734-671-0100 or McCulloughMik@aol.com.