“We are setting a record tonight," said David Gefsky, president of the foundation.
Remarking on the new record, Gefsky said, “I think it shows a commitment by our community to the educational values that make Chappaqua great."
The annual gala, in its 21st year, was held at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. Several school officials attended.
An array of prizes were also on display for the gala, which held a silent auction. The prizes ranged from tickets for Yankees and Mets games to gifts from local merchants.
The foundation is a key supporter of amenities that are not included in the Chappaqua Central School District's annual budget. The foundation awards financing on a grants basis, which is detailed on its website. Listed examples include the iLab at Horace Greeley High School, which involved the revamping of classroom space with the goals of foster problem solving and collaboration.
Other examples include the Maker Space at the high school, will involves using a classroom to function as a workshop for technology projects, and the addition of SMART boards in several schools.
A list of grant-funded projects can be found here.
Gefsky noted that several items supported by the foundation were on display. He added that the foundation will further support the Maker Space for next year.
“CSF is about educational innovation," Gefsky said of the organization's purpose. "So, we are the community's vehicle to fund private capital to meet the district needs on technology, programs, equipment and materials - and also, in a way, meet the creative ambition of our educational leaders: the teachers and the administrators.”
A photo gallery of CSF's gala is attached to this article.
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