SOUTHINGTON EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC.

Instilling a love of learning.

Past Events

Stories, pictures and videos of events hosted or attended by the Southington Education Foundation, Inc.

January 28, 2012

Our third annual Outback Steakhouse luncheon fundraiser was held Saturday, January 28, at the Outback Steakhouse, Queen St., Southington.

The event was a huge success! As usual, we had a full house and the crew at The Outback did a wonderful job cooking and serving!

Thanks to all who helped organize the event and to everyone who helped sell tickets and spread the word, we raised more than $4,200!

January 19, 2012

The Southington Education Foundation, Inc. announced the names of those teachers who were approved for grants during the organization’s fourth round of grant funding. The awards were announced Thursday, January 19, at J.F.K. Middle School.

Click here to see what grants were awarded

October 28, 2011

With the support of nearly 300 guests and a $5,000 challenge grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, the Southington Education Foundation raised $35,000 at its third annual “Fan of the Foundation” gala held Friday, October 28, 2011, at the Aqua Turf. All proceeds will be channeled into the Southington school system via grants and other district-wide projects and initiatives.

Click here to learn more.

July, 2011

The SEF was presented a $2,800 check for its efforts in helping man the gelato and Italian ice booth at the recent Italian Festival.

Thanks to the Riccio family who selected the SEF as the beneficiary of proceeds from the booth, in exchange for SEF support during the festival.

Thanks also to the SEF members who lent a hand that day!

May 26, 2011

The Southington Education Foundation, Inc., announced the names of four teachers who have been approved for grants during the organization’s fourth round of grant funding at a Grant Awards Reception, May 26, at Southington High School.

Click here to see what grants were awarded.

Shown is Kennedy Middle School teacher Amy Perry, and Southington High School School teachers Debra O’Brien, David DeStefano and Judith Dunn.

The foundation also gave out its two first “Apple Vanguard” awards to some of its strongest supporters. The American Legion Auxiliary was recognized for their numerous efforts on behalf of local students. Marianne Purushotham, who has made large donations to the foundation, was also recognized.

March, 2011

Wells Fargo made a charitable contribution to the Southington Education Foundation at its recent Community Partners Breakfast. The SEF was chosen by the Plantsville Wells Fargo Store to receive a check for $1,000.

"Wells Fargo has always believed that giving back is a vital component of our culture," remarked Kent McClun, Community Banking President, Northern Connecticut. "In 2010, The Wells Fargo Foundation invested approximately $800,000 in Connecticut to support nonprofit organizations that address vital community needs and issues, including community development, education, human services, arts and culture, environmental, and civic projects."

Shown is Alan DeBisschop with Carol Stacey, a manager with Wells Fargo.

January 29, 2011

Aside from filling their bellies, attendees of the SEF Outback fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 29, also supported the Southington school system! More than 160 meals were served and $3,200 in profit garnered - which will be fed directly into our children's classrooms.

Our sincere gratitude once again to Ryan Lucas and the Outback Steakhouse on Queen Street.

January 20, 2011

Third Round of Grants Awarded

The Southington Education Foundation awarded almost $4,000 in grants at a reception held January 20 at Planstville Elementary School. Click here to see what grants were awarded.

January 4, 2011

Thanks to combined funding from the SEF and the American Legion Auxiliary, a new space in Southington Library contains nearly 300 books leveled in the same manner as classroom libraries. The grant was requested by teachers Nicole Harves, Jill Chapman and Maureen Barmore. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 4, 2011, marked the event. Welcome all early readers!

November, 2010

Needs for Reads & Pleads for Reads

The SEF facilitated the Kelley and Plantsville schools' "Needs for Reads" and "Pleads for Reads" programs by partnering with the American Legion Auxiliary, which presented both schools with $500 checks recently to help fund book purchases. How rewarding it is to help children learn that through hard work and determination, their efforts really can yield positive results!

October 15, 2010

Fan of the Foundation

Friday, October 15, 2010, the Southington Education Foundation raised nearly $30,000 at its annual “Fan of the Foundation” gala – double the amount garnered during its premier event, October 2009.

All proceeds will be channeled into the Southington school system via grants and other district-wide projects and initiatives. (more)

Click here to view our donors and sponsors, and to see photos from the event.

September 1, 2010

A sincere thank you to UNICO who donated $500 to the SEF.

The Southington Education Foundation recently received a $500 donation from UNICO in support of the organization's mission to instill a love of learning in our school children. Pictured, from left, is Luigi Barbato, UNICO vice president, Mark Mongillo, UNICO president, SEF chairwoman Bethany Pestillo, Marc Ingriselli, UNICO treasurer, Nick Botsacos, UNICO sergeant at arms, and Fran Delfino, UNICO secretary.

August 5, 2010

A sincere thank you to the Southington Chamber of Commerce who donated $500 to the SEF.

Shown is Dawn Miceli, Beth Pestillo and Alan DeBisschop accepting a check from Southington Chamber of Commerce Chairman James Garstang.

June 26, 2010

Community Movie Night at the Southington Drive-In

SEF hosted the premier "Movie at the Drive-In" event Saturday, June 26. The movie was ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, 25th Anniversary Release Featuring Never-Before Seen Footage. Part of the proceeds benefitted SEF.

June 21, 2010

McTeacher's Night

The SEF hosted "McTeacher's Night" at McDonald’s on Queen Street Monday, June 21. A portion of the proceeds benefitted SEF and our Southington classrooms.

June 10, 2010

Second Round of Mini Grants Awarded

The Southington Education Foundation awarded 10 mini-grants at a reception June 10 at Kelley Elementary School. Click here to see what grants were awarded.

May, 2010

A sincere thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary who donated $1,000 to the SEF.

As a result of this thoughtful gift, Southington school children will benefit from a summer reading program.

February 25, 2010

Three innovative and constructive grants awarded following anonymous $10,000 donation.

“While the donor could have made these gifts directly, the donor chose to gift the money to the SEF in order to raise awareness of the importance of the foundation and its mission,” said SEF Chairman Tony Sheffy.

With $5,000 of the donation, Southington High School will be outfitted with a TI-Nspire Classroom, which combines learning handhelds and computer software with assessment tools that gauge student understanding within an interactive classroom. The technology will be utilized extensively in five sections of precalculus classes and at least one section of advanced placement statistics at SHS.

Additional math classes will also benefit from the technology, which includes SmartBoards, LCD projectors, computer software and calculators, because at least two classrooms will be equipped with the apparatus, according to SHS Math Department Chairman Robert Lasbury.

The Kennedy Middle School Music Department received $2,500 to be used to promote and inspire jazz music. Specifically recognized by the donor was Tim Johnson, who directs the school’s band.

The money will go toward the purchase of sound equipment, which students will learn to set up and operate for school concerts. Students will also learn how to make CDs after recording their concerts.

The final $2,500 was earmarked for the SHS Construction and Manufacturing Career Advisory Board, which sponsors expos for students to meet representatives from different trade industries to discuss career options.

The donation specifically cited John Ellsworth and Nancy Cheiro for their respective service to the school system and its students.

February 16, 2010

The Rotary Club of Southington's Mardi Gras Celebration benefitted the Southington Education Foundation. The event was held Tuesday, February 16 at Anthony Jack's in Southington.

February 12, 2010

Volleyball Game Nets Gift for Southington Education Foundation

Click on an image for a larger view

Kelley Elementary School staff and students raised nearly $400 for the Southington Education Foundation at a recent volleyball game that pitted fifth-grade students against their teachers.

“It was a great, not to mention historic, day because it was the first time the students beat the teachers and let me tell you my daughter still can’t stop talking about it,” said Kelley Nolan-Maccione, a Kelley School parent and member of the SEF board of directors.

The student vs. teacher showdown is an annual event at Kelley School and is always used as a fundraiser for various local and global charities. This year, physical education teacher Eric Korp, who coordinates the event and coaches the fifth graders in basic volleyball skills in after-school sessions, suggested the Southington Education Foundation as the recipient for students’ donations.

A bucket outside the gym yielded pocketfuls of change (and a couple of Chucky Cheese tokens) from the students, who pitched their pennies and other coins as they made their way inside the gym. Students cheered on their elder peers and their favorite teachers during the enthusiastic event, which also attracted many parents and grandparents.

February 5, 2010

First Round of Mini Grants Awarded

The Southington Education Foundation awarded 10 mini-grants at a reception February 5 at Kelley Elementary School. Click here to see what grants were awarded.

January 26, 2010

It was a slam dunk recently when Joseph Krar & Associates, Inc., a local insurance agency, presented a generous $1,000 check to the Southington Education Foundation during halftime at the SHS basketball game.

Joining Joseph Krar were children Carolyn Krar Makles and Jeff Krar, as well as grandchildren Caitlyn, Jason and Jake Krar.

Accepting the check for SEF were SEF Chairman Tony Sheffy, SEF Directors Dawn Miceli and Bethany Pestillo.

January 23, 2010

Outback Steakhouse Fundraiser

The Southington Education Foundation raised nearly $5,000 during a luncheon fundraiser at Outback Steakhouse on Queen Street Saturday, January 23, 2010.

Nearly 200 meals were served by Outback wait staff, with all proceeds from the $25 tickets generously donated to the SEF by Outback managing partner Ryan D. Lucas.

Click on an image for a larger view

October, 2009

Principal For The Day

Thalberg Elementary School fifth-grader Daniel Hackerman truly ruled his school when he became principal for the day. His parents, Dave and Deb Hackerman, won the special title for their son during the Southington Education Foundation’s kick-off event Oct. 16, 2009. Silent auctions were held for principalships at each of the town’s schools in a unique fundraising opportunity for the SEF. A live auction was conducted for the coveted school superintendent’s post as well.

In his role as acting principal, Daniel Hackerman took over for Thalberg Principal Beecher Lajoie, who played mentor for the day and introduced Daniel to his various responsibilities.

"What a great experience for my son,” said Deb Hackerman. “Daniel got to make the morning announcements, read to three classes, observe a fire drill and call the buses at the end of the day.”

In addition, Daniel and a friend were treated to lunch by Mr. Lajoie at Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza.

October 16, 2009

Fan of the Foundation

More than 300 people became fans of the Southington Education Foundation at the organization’s premier kick-off event Oct. 16 at the Aqua Turf.  The gala featured dinner and dancing and a live auction that had bidders waving number one fan fingers to support the SEF’s mission.  Also popular was the silent auction, which put up for bid more than 70 pieces of local students’ artwork and other enticing items.

Keynote speaker John Myers, executive director of the Southington Community YMCA, donned a New York Yankees jersey for his energetic presentation, while Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph V. Erardi announced the 2009 Southington High School Wall of Honor inductees.

Distinguished guests included a who’s who of local educators and administrators, state and local officials, business owners, and more.

Arts group harvests gifts for SEF

During the 2009 Apple Harvest Festival, a new event, Harvest the Arts, helped raise funds for the Southington Education Foundation. Through the sale of T-shirts, the raffling off of artwork and a restaurant crawl, Harvest the Arts raised $200.

All proceeds raised through this endeavor and future arts events under the direction of Mary DeCroce and her arts group have been tagged for special educational opportunities in the arts within our Southington public school classrooms.

August 26, 2009

Southington Public Schools Convocation

Our community’s educators are a key component of the Southington Education Foundation when it comes to those breakthrough ideas and initiatives that will inspire and enrich our school children.

And what better way to communicate that core mission of collaboration than in a room full of teachers!

At the Southington Public Schools convocation Wednesday, Aug. 26, SEF members were on hand to raise awareness about the organization and encourage teachers and administrators to think outside the box when it comes to SEF programming.

SEF Chairman Tony Sheffy offered remarks to the large crowd on hand in the Southington High School auditorium. SEF members passed out informational brochures and promoted use of a white board to suggest SEF funding opportunities.

A variety of ideas emerged, including SMART Boards, a kindergarten enrichment program and academy, and a mobile computer lab.

(Read the Sept. 4 Southington Observer Story)