LEEF gala fundraising exceeds expectations

Date: 12/15/2008

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW Rough economy? What rough economy?

The Longmeadow Education Excellence Foundation (LEEF) had a "really successful" fundraising gala on Nov. 15, according to gala co-chair Judi Threlfall. The foundation ended up raising $88,000 total this year, with $63,000 being brought in by the auctions themselves.

The total raised this year was $7,000 more than what was raised in 2007.

The successful evening boasted more than 300 items up for bids, including everything from gift certificates to sports memorabilia to a trip to Paris. The master of ceremonies was special guest Brad Cohen, a Longmeadow High School alum and a former contestant on "The Apprentice," and Dave Mendel of Aaron Posnik and Company served as the auctioneer.

The cocktail party set up once again included the mashed potato bar (a big hit last year) along with the new cafeteria bar, which Threlfall said served as an ode to the high school cafeteria, serving things like sliders and macaroni and cheese.

Seventy-five high school students served as both volunteers and musicians at the gala.

The money raised by the gala will be doled out through LEEF grants. The call for grants from teachers and administrators in the school system went out Dec. 1, with the deadline for applications being March 2.

"We're hoping for a greater number of grant applications this year," LEEF president Chris Halista stated. "The grants really make a substantial impact on the schools and the kids."

She added that since its inception seven years ago, LEEF has awarded 144 grants worth $561,000.

The next LEEF fundraiser will be their annual phonathon taking place in March.