LAST CHANCE: Croton Unites to Support Educational Excellence

Individuals can make a difference, but it takes a village to accomplish big goals.
On May 19th, local businesses and residents of Croton-on-Hudson, through the Croton-Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF), are pulling out all the stops this year to make CHEF’s biggest fundraiser – Under the Stars – a huge success.

“Croton’s residents always have been strong supporters of education, but the realities of today’s economy, combined with the intensified progress of technology, make it impossible for even a generous school budget to cover everything that’s needed to keep our students competitive,” noted
CHEF Co-President Debra Schor. “Under the Stars gives everyone an opportunity to contribute to innovation and excellence in our schools at whatever level they can and have a lot of fun doing it.”

This year’s venue, Monteverde at Oldstone Manor, will feature food prepared by , Lobel’s and . Nancy Kennedy is sponsoring a pre-event wine-tasting under Monteverde’s beautiful grape arbor that will feature wines and accompanying cheeses selected by Croton’s own Patrice Davidson. In addition to a live auction, there will be both silent and online auctions, so that
even those unable to attend can still participate.

“We are so fortunate to have such a wealth of resources in our village. Each year, we are gratified at how much of themselves people are willing to give to make this amazing village even better,” said Beth Coan, Auction Chair, for this year’s event.

Tickets for Under the Stars go on sale April 9th at www.crotonfoundation.org.
Since its inception in 2000, CHEF, a not-for-profit foundation, has raised more than $600,000 to support projects benefitting students at every age level, from kindergarten through high school.

Current projects include academic programs, arts initiatives and technology innovations that meet a wide variety of student needs and interests. Twice each year, administrators, teachers and community residents are invited to submit grant applications for any of the three Croton Schools. The next grant cycle begins in April.

More information about CHEF grants and Under the Stars is available on the CHEF website, www.crotonfoundation.org.