Sandy Hook School Auction A Success

Sandy Hook School held its first annual auction and dinner dance March 1, at the Fireside Inn. Sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association, the event raised more than $16,000 earmarked to create a family resource center at the school, purchase books for the library, and upgrade the school’s publishing center.

Rosie DeStories of Fairfield Auction held court over the live and silent auction, keeping the event lively and fun. Highlights of the auction included a traditional French dinner for eight at McLaughlin Vineyards, prepared by gala chair Michele Grillo that sold for $1000, a hot air balloon ride for two sold to a happy Paul and Gianine Crowell for $550, a New Orleans-style dinner for eight donated by Creative Cuisine and Gourmet to Go sold for $850 to Charles and Shelley Kappauf and friends, and a limousine ride to school for two donated by Newtown Airport and Limousine service sold for $500 to Maureen Berk. Kevin Kuligowski purchased the fire truck tailgate party for 15 on behalf of the Cobbler’s Ridge neighborhood for $425, while Woody Thompson purchased the chance to sing with the band TNT. He brought the audience cheering to their feet with his rendition of “Mustang Sally.”

 The more than 30 art projects created by students were the true highlight of the evening. Coordinated by parents Lynne Kopcik and Betsy Hoyt, the projects included handmade quilts, painted furniture, garden steppingstones, and framed artwork. Said Mrs Kopcik, “The kids are all so proud of what they created.” A handprint quilt from Mrs DaSalvia’s third grade class sold to librarian Bev Bjorklund for $240, while the animal quilt created by Mr Bernson’s fifth grade class sold for $325 to Kim Pearlman. The thumb print bug bench created by Miss Anderson’s first grade class sold for $300 and a set of hand painted dishes from Mrs Fonovic’s third grade sold for $175.

“This was a wonderful event for Sandy Hook Elementary. We raised over $16,000 and it was a party not to be missed,” said auctioneer DeStories.