Fraser-Woods’ 10th Annual Auction Dinner

The Fraser-Woods School held its tenth annual auction dinner on April 23 at 707 on Main in Monroe. The elegant gala, with the theme “A Renaissance Revelry,” was a fundraising event benefiting the school for new lockers, goal posts, basketball hoops, scoreboards, gymnastics equipment, staging equipment, and a PowerPoint projector.

Co-chairpersons Arang Cistulli and Joyce Lee-Rogalin began preparing 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.

Decorations Committee Chairperson Deborah Rhodes masterminded the elegant decor of the restaurant with white satin draping, banners, colorful flowers, and pheasant feathers, reflecting the Renaissance period. Kathy Beals and Bill Hickey coordinated the complex database and programs for the event. Donna Waltzer and Karen Cipolla co-chaired the Solicitations Committee, April Furey chaired the Invitations Committee, Lynda Westberg and Harshini Delity co-chaired the Operations Committee, Loanne Morris chaired the Raffle Committee, and Tara Kortze chaired the Public Relations Committee.

Friends, family, sponsors, and the community of the school began the night with the silent auction, which included items such as class-decorated plates, dinners, restaurant meals and entertainment, and tickets to Giants and Yankees games, as well as items for the home and garden, children, and adults. After dinner, approximately 160 guests worked themselves into an exciting bidding frenzy during the live auction for 52 items.

Professional auctioneer Kathy Kingston, who has extensive experience with nonprofit organizations, set the tone for higher bids and friendly competition. Popular items were class projects such as tiled trays, desk and chair, a teepee, one-of-a-kind vase, toy box, a framed sun catcher, handmade chess set, a framed collage, placemats and napkins set, and a comforter hanger, whose value was in the creative works of the students. There were bidding wars for professional photography, hosted gourmet dinners, and time at vacations homes.

Perhaps the most concerted effort was the actual fundraising for the school’s Fund-A-Need items for student use for various extra-curricular activities and classes.

The evening was topped off with a dance led by parent deejay Michele Cousens.

Myriam Woods, head of school, said, “There are no better words to describe and celebrate our community than the words of our school song, ‘This is where we make a circle, join together in work and play. With peace and joy and love in our hearts, we’re grateful for each day.’ Thank you on behalf of our children and staff, and most of all, on behalf of our founding members for continuing their work and perpetuating their dream. Thank you!”