The Hillside School on Brookside Road in Macungie hosted its annual gala on Saturday, May 2, 2015. This year’s theme, “Off to the Races at The Hillside School” coincided with the Kentucky Derby. The Hillside School hosts the Gala on- site so guests can witness first-hand the amazing environment our students experience every day. Hillside is the leading independent day school in the Lehigh Valley dedicated to educating children who have been diagnosed with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. The Hillside School is proud to report that over $80,000 net was raised from the evening which will go toward scholarships and educational programs.
Guests walked the red carpet to fabulous hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and first-class Kentucky Derby style decorations! During cocktail hour, Copper Field’s Music entertained over 300 guests while they bid on over 200 silent auction items featuring Frederick Duckloe and Brothers furniture, a Martin guitar, a digital billboard from Adams Outdoor, diamond earrings, sporting event tickets and autographed memorabilia, local restaurant gift certificates, and so much more. The Silent Auction net over $19,500! Special thanks to Qtego Auction Technology who provided a revolutionary new way to leverage our patrons’ mobile phones as a mega fundraising tool for our Silent Auction.
Sheryl Hawk, Director of Development and Communications welcomed guests and acknowledged sponsors just before Sodexo served a delicious dinner of Pickled Watermelon Salad, Smoked Carved Beef Brisket with Lowcountry Hoppin’ John, Tomato Gravy, and Creamed Corn & Charred Scallions. Donna Henry, Head of School, shared about the incredible mural in the gymnasium that tells the story of how Hillside transforms students’ lives. This mural was designed by two muralists from Philadelphia called the Chroma Dolls and was underwritten by the Colligas Family. The making of the mural was captured in a documentary that was presented to the Colligas Family. Two beautiful alumni, Molly Kenyon and Rachael Rutkowski, shared how their experiences at The Hillside School changed both their lives!
Following the dinner, guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of School’s Out Band, a seven-piece Motown, Oldies, R&B band with six amazing lead vocalists, supported by bass, guitar, horns, keyboard, organ, drums and percussion.
Guests at the Gala included The ShopRite-Colligas Family; Phil & Joanne Nonemaker; Honorary Chairs: Cavan & Rebecca Kiprislis; Paul Nonemaker, Alumnus & Friends; The Landis Family; Peggy & Hannah Nallo; Rudy & Chris Amelio; The Lobach Family from Embassy Bank; Jim & Sarah Edwards; Howard & Jill Stevens; Steve & Tammy Cwienkala; and Jim Kusko to name a few. Many thanks to all who contributed to the success of the evening!
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Founded in 1983, The Hillside School has become recognized as a benchmark institution for the support of children with language-based learning disabilities. The mission of The Hillside School is to maximize the potential of the child with learning disabilities through excellence in education. From the beginning, this non-profit school established a two-fold vision to accomplish its mission: the first is to be a leader in the education of children with language-based learning disabilities; the second is to educate and develop community awareness of the needs of children and adults with language-based learning disabilities.
For more information, contact
The Hillside School
Lindsey Seltzer, Development and Marketing Associate
2697 Brookside Road
Macungie, PA 18062
http://www.hillsideschool.org/
