Nahant Education Foundation
2009 TGIF comedy night big success
TGIF Comedy night is another home run for The Nahant Education Foundation. A casual night of Laughter raised over $5,000 at the Nahant Country Club on Friday evening to benefit the Johnson School, quite an achievement in these economic times. The comedic talents of Graig Murphy & Paul Nardizzi had us laughing all night long. Comedy, cocktails and friends set the stage for some competitive bidding on many of the items in the Silent Auction including; sunset sailing, Red Sox tickets and a harbor seal training for 4 at the aquarium. The bidding war was led by the generous donations of ‘fun days’ from the teachers of the Johnson School - Principal for a day, Fishing & Fun with the 2nd grade teachers, Plaster Fun time with Ms. Purdin and a Lunch Date with the 1st grade teachers. A big Thank You to all teachers, parents, community members and friends, who attended, donated and participated. Our success would not be possible without your generosity and support.
A strong school system enhances not only the lives of students, but the entire community. The Johnson School needs your support more than ever to continually enrich our children’s educational and cultural experiences. We all need to do our part in order to achieve a brighter future for ALL our children. We thank you for your contributions, belief and support in NEF and the Johnson School. We are all very passionate about our cause, and while we will have hurdles to face and people to convince our dedication will prevail.
A Little Woodstock in Nahant
On Saturday night, February 7, 2009, over 250 Nahanters gathered to dance, sing, and enjoy hand-made, psychedelic lights bouncing around the walls and ceiling at Nahant’s Rock-The-Rock concert. Two rock bands immersed the crowd with Woodstock-period music leaving little room on the dance floor and no room to doubt that it was “the place” that night. From those fresh out of college to those approaching the century mark, all ages mixed, mingled, laughed, and danced.
The event provided a true community event with an outpouring of support from neighbors across our Island. A special thanks to the event’s promoters – Frank Cardile and Mike Billias, Harold Blank -Floating Opera Light Company, Brett Henry – Mount Vernon Restaurant, Mike O’Callahan & Dave Walsh -Tides Restaurant, Peter Dawson -Nahant Country Club, John Tofuri, Ophelia Payne Tudor, and of course the complete staff of the Tudor Cocktail Ice Company.
In the end, bare-feet crowded the Country Club’s dance floor and together we raised over $5,000 for the Nahant Education Foundation. Nahanters have proven yet again the special nature of our Town, and how we enjoy ourselves to good ends, in this case, to ensure the continued success of the Johnson School’s children.
Thank for all your support, and stay tuned for more entertainment in 2009!
"A Night of Music and Dreams"
"What a Journey……What a Night"
internationally acclaimed, soprano singer, Ute Gfrerer took us on her musical “Journey” at Ellingwood Chapel, accompanied by her distinguished pianist, William Merrill. This was a magical and emotionally-charged evening of tears and laughter, enjoyed by a house full of friends and neighbors alike, all in support of The Nahant Education Foundation. This incredible night raised over $15,000 to benefit the Johnson Elementary School.
We are humbled and grateful to Ute for her time, talent, and commitment, in producing this event to assist in the financial goals of the NEF. Thank you to all who contributed in the success of this magical evening.
2011 Annual Campaign Update
The Nahant Education Foundation was launched 3 years ago and is proud to have raised $80,000 thanks to donations of community members and parents. NEF hopes to raise at least $15,000 in 2011 for new grants requests.
in September 2008 we were very proud to be able to present a check for $27,100 to Dr. Lisi and the Johnson Elementary School to support the schools plan for a Comprehensive Technology Program.
This money will provide 20 new computers, Smart Boards, software to support the current curriculum, and training for all teachers to utilize this tool effectively in the classroom.
NEF is already looking ahead to raise funds in support of the Johnson School’s Marine Biology Science Program for all children from kindergarten through sixth grade, in conjunction with Northeastern University.
This year’s kindergarteners will be the graduating class of 2020. What will the real world look like when they finish high school? Are we preparing them for the challenges they will face in the future? It is quite a thought…. don’t you think?
We believe strongly in the future success of the Johnson School, and need you to be part of our fund raising process in order to achieve a brighter future for all our children.
NEF Cocktail Reception - big success
Nahant Education Foundation got into full swing on June 6th and June 14th introducing themselves to the community. Even the weather could not spoil the majestic settings of the home of Irvine & Louise Rusk and the home of Jim and Gina Lang. Cocktails and Tapas at 7pm followed by an introduction of the Nahant Education Foundation by Ann Schiffenhaus, President of the Board, and Joe Lisi, Superintendent of the Nahant Public School.
Mrs. Schiffenhaus shared NEF plans to raise funds from private sources to improve and enrich Nahant's Johnson Elementary School. "The need for technology and innovative teaching programs have increased significantly over the years with no increase in state funding" said Ann "and we feel that we can make a huge difference with private funding. Our children deserve the very best, they are our future and it is the most important investment anyone can make."
Joe Lisi feels the school has good fundamentals but believes that a new library and resource room with new books, reference materials and new computers, will be first on the agenda for the Johnson School. NEF hopes to raise over $100,000 this year, with plans of $2 million endowment over the next few years.
