Huntington Foundation Partners with Engeman Theater
The Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education is partnering with the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport to raise monies to support innovation in Huntington classrooms through the organization’s mini and Star grant programs.
The Huntington Foundation will receive a portion of every ticket sold to those mentioning “HFEE” for the performance of “West Side Story” on Sunday, October 25 at 7 p.m. The theater’s lounge opens at 6 p.m.
To secure tickets call the Engeman Theater box office at (631) 261-2900 and mention “HFEE” and the organization will benefit. Local restaurants are also getting into the spirit. A list will be released soon of Northport restaurants donating a portion of HFEE theater-goers’ dinner tabs.
Newsday gave the Engeman Theater’s production of “West Side Story” a strong review, calling it “a classic musical superbly done.” The review by Steve Parks noted “The Engeman’s ‘West Side Story’ is a rare, not-to-be-missed opportunity to truly appreciate an American theatrical treasure.”
For more information about the fundraising performance on October 25 contact the Huntington Foundation’s Kimberley Steinberg at ksteinberg16@hotmail.com
The Huntington Foundation’s 2015/16 board of directors includes Alice Marie Rorke (president), Amy Girimonti (vice president for development), Jill Carrello (vice president for public relations), Susan Lyons (vice president for grants), Maria Cassar (secretary), Debbie Knowles (treasurer), Kimberley Steinberg (events coordinator), Michael Grassi (grant funding director), Laurene Napurano (tech/website director) and Marilyn Maggio (liaison director).
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The Huntington Foundation has announced that its 2016 gala will return to OHEKA castle next winter. The organization is planning to celebrate STEM education and honor Huntington technology teacher Brian Reynolds and Suffolk Police school resource officer Andrew Fiorillo.
The Huntington Foundation’s 23rd annual gala is set for Thursday, February 4. A sellout crowd is expected. All proceeds from the evening will be plowed back into district classrooms through the organization’s two grant programs.
A graduate of South Side High School in Rockville Centre, Mr. Reynolds obtained an undergraduate degree at SUNY Oswego and a master’s degree at New York Institute of Technology. He came to Huntington in 1990.
An avid scuba diver and bow hunter, Mr. Reynolds had the lead role in his high school musical. He’s been remodeling houses since he was 15 years old and loves playing guitar and singing Irish music. He makes his own custom fishing poles and spends much of his free time on the water.
Mr. Reynolds spent four years as the school district’s computer integration specialist. He has spent countless hours working with the Huntington Robotics team as its faculty advisor in addition to teaching five classes a day at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and Huntington High School.
Mr. Fiorillo is the Suffolk Police school resource officer assigned to the Huntington School District. He has worked in the county SRO program since it was founded in May 2004.
Widely known around campus as “Officer Drew,” Mr. Fiorillo has strived to foster understanding, trust and respect for Suffolk Police through his SRO position. He has successfully defused many potentially negative situations in Huntington Township. He regularly mentors at-risk students and has been a liaison between students and social agencies, interfacing with precinct investigations, enhanced anti-gang initiatives and the recognition of gang members.
A familiar presence at community events and meetings, Mr. Fiorillo’s dedication to duty extends far beyond his scheduled tours. He’s been known to show up at athletic events, school plays, homecoming activities and even the school prom. He’s made presentations on topics ranging from teenage drug and alcohol abuse to gang violence and is always available to parents, administrators, teachers and students as a resource on just about any topic.
With energy and enthusiasm that is hard to match, Mr. Fiorillo has carried out his duties in the local schools with professionalism, understanding and poise. During his work with students he takes every opportunity to emphasize that “character counts.” He has been indefatigable in trying to instill personal confidence and strong character in the students he encounters each day.
The 2016 Huntington Foundation gala is already shaping up to be a sensational event, with impressive raffle prizes, silent and live auctions and a chance to win the grand prize: a brand new Chevrolet courtesy of Atlantic Auto Giant and Huntington High School alumni Michael Brown.
One of the most famous of all the Gold Coast estates, OHEKA is expected to provide unparalleled ambiance for an evening consisting of music, dancing and fine foods. Last February’s gala raised $46,000 for the Huntington Foundation’s grant programs and organization officials are hoping to raise even more next winter.
For more information on the Huntington Foundation, additional information on the gala as it becomes available or to make a donation visit www.huntingtonfoundation.org.