Educational foundation deems event a success

MARLBORO - The Marlboro Educational Foundation held its second annual restaurant tasting evening on April 30 at The Excelsior catering hall, Manalapan. More than 500 people attended the event which raised in excess of $50,000 for the foundation, according to a press release.

Barbara Spilken, the event committee chairperson, and Teja Anderson, the foundation chair, said they were extremely pleased at the outcome of this event.

The foundation acknowledged LDP Consulting Group Inc., Design Ideas/EPIC Management Inc, and Investors Savings Bank for being corporate sponsors. The event hosted more than 40 local exhibitors who showcased food, desserts, liquors, wines and other beverages. Attendees enjoyed the food, drinks and merchandise provided by the restaurants, exhibitors and vendors.

The catering hall was decorated by It's Your Party. Music provided by Java Strings Quartet gave a festive air to the evening along with the teachers from the World Drumming Program, a foundation grant recipient. The silent auction boasted 31 high-end items. In addition, 90 raffle items were beautifully presented. The ticket collection boxes for the raffle baskets were decorated by the children who participate in Marlboro Champions After School program.

One of the highlights of the evening was when Dr. Pamela Levy's key unlocked a jewelry case containing a diamond pendant necklace donated by Ludis B. Jewelers of Marlboro and valued at $3,350. Only one lucky key out of 101 keys sold could unlock the jewelry case.

A goody bag was distributed to all attendees and included coupons for local stores and services. It also included the event journal which detailed all sponsors, vendors and advertisers. The journal was compiled by Bennett Gewirtz of Gewirtz Graphics Inc., New York. The journal cover was designed by Nicole Franco, a Marlboro High School senior.

A joint legislative resolution from state Sen. Ellen Karcher and state Assemblyman Michael Panter commending the efforts of the foundation was presented by Karcher. State Assemblywoman Jennifer Beck was also in attendance, as well as Marlboro Mayor Robert Kleinberg and several members from the Township Council.

The foundation acknowledged all of the volunteers who helped before and during the event including Sarah Spilken, Lisa Ward, Veronica Dwyer, who has since been appointed trustee, as well as middle school and high school students.

The Marlboro Educational Foundation, formed in 2000, is a group of Marlboro residents and area business people dedicated to enriching the educational experience of the township's K-8 school children.

All of the money raised by the foundation is used to fund new programs and grants. The foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is independent of the Marlboro K-8 School District and provides the grants to supplement the children's education.

Anyone seeking information about the foundation or who would like to volunteer should contact the foundation at (732) 817-1482.