Events

Stellar Talent + Your Support = Spaulding Success!

On Sunday night the High School auditorium was once again full of music and dance for the Spaulding Education Fund's (SEF) third annual "A Night of Stars" talent show.

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Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets last year, this year's 37 acts were divided into two separate performances to allow everyone a chance to be entertained - and both shows were sold out! Audience members were treated to solo and group vocals, dance routines, instrumental arrangements, classical and original tunes, and a Capella music.

"A Night of Stars", one of SEF's biggest fundraisers of the year, was created in an effort to showcase young talent in the community and to generate greater awareness of the Spaulding Education Fund's mission of assuring academic excellence in the Manchester Essex public schools. As audience members found their seats, a slideshow illustrated a variety of programs, resources, and educational equipment funded by Spaulding grants.

In his opening speech, Spaulding Steering Committee co-chair, Henri Bichet, thanked the audience and many sponsors whose generous contributions helped raise more than $22,000 for future grants.

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SEF would like to thank our Super Star Sponsors ($2,500) Sports Medicine North, Inc. and the Taliaferro Family: our Rock Star Sponsors ($1,000) Donald B.Nelson, D.M.D., Orthodontics for Children and Adults; Felton, Berlin & Erdmann Insurance Services, Inc. with Chartis Private Client Group; Polartec LLC; Windover Construction, Inc., and our Shining Star Sponsors ($500) Boston Common Partners, LLC, The Employee Benefits Group; Cape Ann Savings Bank; Cha Cha la Mer; Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Inc.; Demeo & Associates, P.C.; J Barrett & Company; Manchester Athletic Club, and Northeast Nursery, Inc.

SEF is appreciative of the entertainers who wowed the crowd, as well as the many people working behind the scenes to make Sunday's show a success. Pivotal roles were played by Karen Strating who recruited talents and created the program, Gloria Tanner and Elizabeth Edgerton (MERHS teachers) who managed the production and Charlie Hoff (10th grade student) who ran the sound system. Chris Lamothe (Memorial School teacher) officiated as Master of Ceremonies. Talent Show co-chairs Henri Bichet, Caroline Carlson, and Beth Davis led a remarkable team of dedicated volunteers including: Janet del Valle (auditions and communication with performers), Shannon Erdmann (ticket sales), Jessica Lamothe (PR) and Amy Tuttle (sponsors), as well as, Alison Daley, Alison Falk, Nancy Garvey, Michelle McCormick, Kristin Prince, Ann Pulver and Stephanie Rogers in supporting roles. SEF is grateful to Olivia Mastendino who organized a team of 15 Interact members to usher, to MERSD's multi-talented a Cappella group, "The Sound Waves" who did a terrific job as the show's stage hands, and finally, to Gail Halloran who coordinated students from the MERHS Robotics Team, Robots-by-the-Sea, whose Robot handed out programs. Finally, thank you to Standley's Garage of downtown Manchester and A.P.H. Waller & Sons Antiques on Main Street, Essex for letting SEF post the event banner on their property.

Last year SEF funded close to $50,000 in grants that supported school curriculum in many subjects across all grade levels.

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Recent grants included support for the Middle and High School's "Humanities Week", DECA, the Middle School's "Computer Building Club", Manchester and Essex Elementary School's Ballroom Dancing Program, the MX Hornets Robotics Team, the purchase of iPads for Memorial School's library research program, and more. These programs would not be possible without the generous support from donors in the Essex and Manchester communities.

The Spaulding Education Fund looks forward to continued support from the community when its annual fall appeal letter hits mailboxes next month. An important component of SEF's fundraising, donations from the fall appeal will be used to fund spring grants and beyond. Please consider giving as generously as you can so that Spaulding may continue to open doors to greater learning experiences that enhance education for our students. To learn more about Spaulding, or to make a donation online, please visit our website at spauldingeducationfund.org. Thank you!