Schools
SFES Prepares for 10th Annual Dinner Auction
Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools committee members are busy procuring hundreds of prizes including concert tickets, vacations, private dinners, art, home improvement services, spa packages and more to be auctioned off at the group's 10th annual d
This year’s Suffield Foundation for Excellent Schools (SFES) dinner, dance and auction theme is “SFES is Wild About Education.” The fundraiser event, scheduled for March 31, will be held at the newly renovated Sheraton Hotel at Bradley Airport in Windsor Locks.
SFES' mission “is to provide support for innovative and exceptional educational programs and opportunities beyond the tax-supported budget for the benefit of Suffield students,” according to the organization's website.
“[The Sheraton is] a perfect backdrop for a wild and exotic safari theme,” said auction co-chair Chris Mercadante.
Find out what's happening in Suffieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Tickets are $100 a piece. The price includes open bar, dinner, music, dancing and adventure, all for a good cause.
“The committee strives to balance [between] affordable and luxury items for all guests,” Mercadante explained. “We want everyone to feel like they can come away with something special while supporting their community.”
Find out what's happening in Suffieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The auction committee is hoping to surpass the mark set at the 2011 auction of 200 attendees and fill the seats with many new faces. teacher Tom Donato and his band, The Score, are slated to entertain with current music and old favorites.
Revenue from the event, which began in 2004, has brought in grant money exceeding the $500,000 mark. Board members are excited to generate more funding for new grant programs offered this year, including traditional yearly grants and the new monthly mini-grants.
Grant proposals are submitted in the form of an application and proposals come from individuals and groups including teachers, administrators and other school personnel. Students, Suffield citizens and school organizations are also welcome to apply.
Over the past nine years, SFES has funded grants for arts, music, foreign language and math software, literacy programs and science equipment. Please contact Amy Muska, 860-966-2824 or send a message to pmuska@cox.net to purchase tickets or captain a table. Donations of auction items are also being accepted. Donation forms and up-to-date information are available on the SFES website.
