Tickets Selling Fast for Huntington Foundation Gala

Tickets to the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s Thursday, March 30 gala at The Water’s Edge in Centerport are disappearing quickly. The festive evening is expected to draw a sellout crowd. It will honor Huntington High School Dean of Student Support Robert Gilmor III and Helping Hands Rescue Mission President and Pastor Rev. Kimberly Gaines-Gambino.

Twin Spirit Awards will be presented at the Huntington Foundation’s Reach for the Stars dinner. To reserve tickets, click here: https://huntingtonfoundation.org/gala

Since its founding, the Huntington Foundation has donated more than $1.1 million to Huntington UFSD to support innovative programs and classroom practices.

Those interested in sending messages of congratulations to the two honorees can do so through HFEE’s new fundraising campaign called “30 for $30.” In a nod toward the organization’s 30th anniversary year, donors can write a personalized note of congratulations up to 30 words long (or up to 130 characters) to the honorees for $30 (or more). These messages will be shared with the honorees in a hardcover memento book along with photos from the event. Click here for more information.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the gala or would like to donate a raffle prize or gift certificate, contact Tara Poli, VP of Development, at tarapoli@danielgale.com.

Recent Spirit Award honorees include Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky (2022 district honoree), Dr. James Paci (2022 community honoree), Allison Von Vange (2020 district honoree) and Bon Bon’s Chocolatier owners Susannah Meinersman and Alice Meinersman, who were the 2020 community honorees.

The Huntington Foundation’s executive board consists of Jennifer Stevens (president), Meghan Knieriem (chief financial officer), Jennifer Hebert (vice president-grants), Jennifer Biancardo (vice president-grants administration/gala chairperson), Michele Sabatino (secretary), Jennifer Tullo (public relations/marketing officer) and Tara Poli (vice president-development).

The organization’s board includes Liz Matthews (PTA liaison), Janine Luca (meeting coordinator), Kim Einemann (graphic design/marketing), Gina Leiter (gala support) and Maryann Driscoll (marketing).

HFEE volunteers include Kelly Donovan (social media), Allison Von Vange (teacher liaison), Kacey Knauer (general support), Amanda Sturges (general support), Kim O’Toole (general support) and Liz Carecchia (general support). Youth Board members include Anna Bell Young, McKenna Buffa, Danielle Luca and Talia Addeo.