Billed as “Sunset and Sounds on the Bay,” the fundraising party was a fun evening for participants, who enjoyed appealing food, live music, dancing, a fast-paced auction and a chance to contribute to a cause that makes a real difference in the lives of the young people attending the district’s eight schools.
Resting high above Huntington Bay, the Bay Club offers views that are hard to match. A crowd of more than 100 turned out for this year’s gala. “Held on a perfect spring night, the evening was magical; filled with joy, laugher, song and dance in the spirit of supporting students in Special Education,” said Tonya Guandique who serves as SEPTA’s co-president along with Liz Lopez.
Superintendent James W. Polansky was joined by school principals Brenden Cusack, John Amato, Michelle Richards, Valerie Capitulo-Saide and Lucia Laguarda, Director of Special Education and Student Support Services Diana Rich and assorted faculty and staff members along with several Huntington School Board members.
With the Bay Club’s picturesque backdrop creating an unparalleled atmosphere, the evening just had to be a success and it was. It featured four dozen top-of-the-line raffle baskets along with 11 others silent auction. At one point, Mr. Polansky demonstrated his own verbal skills for the crowd when he raised almost $900 as he went about auctioning off prizes. Some of the more novel prizes included Principal for a Day rights, which several parents happily sought for one of their children.
“Another successful night for SEPTA meant another successful night for Huntington students, staff and programs,” Mr. Polansky said. “A truly beautiful night it was with great food, great music, great raffles and the best of company. Thank you, once again, to SEPTA for its partnership and support!”
The Willie Steel Band kept everyone entertained. Mr. Cusack even took a turn at the microphone, giving the crowd an opportunity to hear his sweet-sounding singing voice.
A decadent ice cream bar sponsored by the Palacios Law Group topped off the evening and was popular with everyone in the crowd. The evening’s highlight was a luxurious Rose on the Bay “will pull” sponsored by KS Event Planning. Other event sponsors included Steinberganna Wealth Management Corp. and pHountain of Huntington Village.
A district-wide organization, SEPTA sponsors informative programs, funds grants to obtain supplies, materials and resources to support student programs and awards scholarships to graduating seniors.
Huntington SEPTA’s executive board consists of co-Presidents Tonya Guandique and Liz Lopez; co-Vice Presidents Lisa Hanna and Denise Murtagh; Treasurer Jennifer LaVertu; Corresponding Secretary Jenn DiBenedetto; Recording Secretary Corinne Heffernan and PTA Council Delegates Meaghan Buffa and Rene Dumas Babich.
