Fraser-Woods Dinner Dance Was

‘An Enchanted Evening’

The Fraser-Woods School held its ninth annual auction dinner on April 17, at 707 on Main in Monroe. The gala, with the theme “An Enchanted Evening,” was a fundraising event, benefiting the school and raising money for a stage, staging equipment, risers, and instruments and materials for the school’s music department.

Funding was also made available for the establishment of the school’s endowment fund.

Co-chairpersons Renee Delmolino and Polly D’Addario began preparations for the auction as early as last fall with the coordinated efforts of volunteers and donors. Generous contributions and donations from the parents, Newtown and the greater Newtown community businesses provided goods and services for the auction. Display Committee Chairperson Deborah Rhodes masterminded the decor of the restaurant with white tulle and colorful roses, reflecting the “Fairytales, Myths and Legends” theme of this year’s cultural program.

Kathy Beals coordinated the complex database and programs for the event.

Friends, family, sponsors, and the community of the school began the night with the silent auction including class-decorated plates, dinners, restaurants and entertainment, and tickets to Giants and Yankees games, as well as items for the home and garden, children, and personal pampering.

After dinner, 165 guests participated in a live auction for 52 items. Professional auctioneer Kathy Kingston, who has extensive experience with education, health care, government, volunteer, and entertainment organizations, set the tone for higher bids and friendly competition. Popular items were class projects such as quilts, painted mirror, picnic table, table and chairs, bookshelf, mask, Adirondack chairs, and a hoop drum whose value was in the creative work of the students. There were bidding wars for professional photography, hosted gourmet dinners, exotic trips and weekends, and the Tiger Woods Golf Challenge in Los Angeles.

Perhaps the most concerted effort was the actual fundraising for the school’s new stage, staging equipment, instruments and performance equipment for the music department. The evening was topped off with a local band, which rocked into the night.

Head of School Myriam Woods said, “I’m speechless with the generosity and support of family and friends. After 35 years since our founding members established our school, we still have the same commitment and support to maintain their legacy.”