New Projects for the Croton-Harmon Education Foundation

The following is a news release from the Croton-Harmon Education Foundation.

Croton-On-Hudson, NY, October 13, 2011--The Croton-Harmon Education Foundation, CHEF, started off the 2011-2012 school year with a diverse array of projects: a new and improved website, a back-to-school fundraiser, a networking event for kindergarten families, and an invitation to teachers to increase the number of grant submissions this year.

Jessica Godwin, CHEF Co-President,  spoke at a district meeting in September and  challenged the Croton-Harmon faculty to bring innovation to the schools at every level “even if it means spending every dime we have.”

CHEF’s 2011-2012 board includes returning officers Jessica Godwin and Debra Schor as Co-Presidents, Lisa Cohen as Vice President, and Gillian Jackson-Champlain as Secretary.  Brian Aspinwall joined this year as Treasurer.  Returning board members include Beth Coan, Janet Kraybill, Beverly McGrath, Suzanne Smith, Abbie Voss, and Charles Weinstock.  Greta Sohmer joined the board this year. 

To start the school year CHEF launched a brand new website you can visit at www.crotonfoundation.org.  The website was designed by local graphic designer Barbara Wertheim.  Gillian Jackson-Champlain, CHEF Secretary, notes, “The new design will enable visitors to navigate our site more easily and it will allow us to update the community on events, grants, and exciting CHEF news.”

On September 13th CHEF worked with community restaurants to welcome students and teachers back to school with its Schools In Eat Out fundraiser.  Local restaurants Capriccio II, India House, Justin Thyme, Tavern, Tenampa, TK Casquarelli and Umami all donated a portion of their proceeds that day to support the Croton-Harmon schools.  The evening’s event raised over $1300 and got the word out about CHEF’s mission to support innovation in our schools. 

On September 24^th CHEF, CET PTA, SEPTA and the other not-for-profits supporting the Croton-Harmon Schools all welcomed Croton’s newest students, the kindergarteners, and their families to the district with a giant pizza party.  Suzanne Smith, CHEF’s Fundraising Committee Co-Chair said, “This annual event is a great way for new families to learn about the organizations that support the schools.  It’s also a great way to meet new friends and visit with old ones.”

Now CHEF is gearing up for its winter fundraiser, Dine-A-Round, on Saturday January 28^th.  Co-President Debra Schor explained, “This year we are trying something new.  We will offer two different dining experiences.  Guests will be able to choose between a three course formal dining experience and a two course casual dining experience.  We hope this variety will increase attendance and enable us to raise more funds to support the Croton-Harmon schools.”  CHEF is currently recruiting community members interested in hosting dinners.  To express interest or receive more information, visit CHEF’s website at www.crotonfoundation.org or email crotonchef@gmail.com. 

Through the generous support of the Croton community, CHEF has awarded total grants to the school district of more than $600,000 since its inception in 2000. The grants fund a variety of initiatives, many of which give students unique educational experiences that go beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning. Grant applications can be filled out by students, teachers or parents.  The next grant cycle deadline is November 1, 2011.  For more information, visit the Foundation’s website at www.crotonfoundation.org.