On Friday evening March 7th, the skies were rainy but inside the Maplewood Country Club, the only thing that rained down was good cheer as 300 people gathered to support the Millburn-Short Hills Education Foundation's Art Auction and Wine Tasting Event. This event marked the kick-off for the Foundation's one-million dollar fund-raising drive to support the new Communication Arts Program, which will benefit all Millburn school students in all 7 public schools. The event raised approximately $19,000.
The evening began as patrons enjoyed bidding on the 30+ Silent Auction items. The Silent Auction included beautiful art pieces created by local artists, a half-year parking space at the High School, tickets to a Mets game and a tour of the WFAN broadcast booth (donated by township resident Stu Heifetz), tickets to the NJ symphony (donated by the NJ Symphony) and chocolate soufflés donated by local business Heavenly Soufflés. A percentage of profits were donated to the Ed Foundation by all of the local artists. In addition, there were 40+ wines available for tasting, donated by wine distributors and coordinated by The Wine Library. Guests further enjoyed the Millburn High School Jazz Quartet, under the direction of High School Band Director Mindy Scheierman, and many pieces of art created by MHS seniors, under the direction of Millburn High School Guidance Counselor, Nancy Siegel. The guests later participated in a live auction of fine art from local art gallery David Gary Fine Art, Ltd. Gallery owner Steven Suskauer, (who donated a percentage of his profits), conducted the live auction of art works which sold in all price ranges. Several cases of collector wine were also auctioned and an exclusive home wine tasting, donated by The Wine Library, went to the highest bidder.
Door prizes included a large piece of art work donated by David Gary Fine Art , a cork screw donated by Gattorna of Buenos Aires, and a large basket of sports memorabilia donated by Any Given Sundae of Livingston.
The chefs at Maplewood Country Club created an abundance of delicious food and the evening was capped off by an elaborate dessert display. Party favor flashlights, donated by Promos LLC. of Livingston, were in the shape of a video camera and were handed out to each of the guests as they left.
The event was deemed a huge success by the Foundation members, not just because of the large attendance and the funds raised, but because it brought Millburn together, as one united community in support of the Education Foundation. Past Education Foundation fundraisers, such as the “Taste of the Towns” held three years ago, have also historically brought the town out in support of the organization's charitable fundraising drives for the Millburn public schools.
