SIMONE SONG BENEFIT “CELEBRATING HUDSON HEIGHTS” RAISES $7000!

Simone Song Properties’ vision of celebrating their 25th anniversary was to celebrate our neighborhood, and benefit our school.  To achieve our goal of $10,000 in ticket and raffle sales, all funds going to PS/IS187, Friendsof187 collaborated with Simone Song to create a double-header fundraiser on December 11th providing two events, one for families and one for adults.  More than 60 children enjoyed face painting, juggling and plate spinning, cookie decorating, neighborhood bingo and more. Goody bags provided healthy snacks for the children while the parents were served refreshments. The evening program for adults included: a three-piece jazz ensemble, a professional belly dancer, 14 raffle prizes, a wine bar and wine tastings with an endless array of different cuisines all contributed by local eateries.

This fantastic event brought participation and contributions from every corner of the community.  Our thanks to Simone Song for so generously sharing their anniversary, Councilman Robert Jackson, Cynthia Chory, Marcella Calabi, co-founder of the Hudson Heights Owners Coalition, for her insightful description of how Hudson Heights evolved, The Board of Directors of Hudson View Gardens, Mary Dino for her circus arts workshop, Donetta Riley for face-painting, The neighbors who donated raffle prizes: Risa Hirsch Ehrlich, The Flowing Hand, Odalis Nail Salon, Le Chiele Restaurant, Hudson Pilates, Ahn’s Market, Mike Fitelson Photography, Jordan Matter and Brian Skinner Photography, Monarch Cleaners, Tom Wolf of  USANA and the businesses who completed the evening with their endless supply of delicious eats & drinks: Cabrini Wines, Vines on Pine, Frank’s Market, Kismat, Next Door, Bleu Evolution, Ta Cocina, Café 181, Vicky’s Diner and GottaGetCupCakes.

For more information about where the money raised goes visit: What has friends funded?.

FRIENDS OF PS/IS 187 2010 WINTER GALA

It may have been cold outside, but inside the Founders Hall at Mother Cabrini School, things were hot on Monday night, February 8, 2010, when Friends of PS/IS 187 hosted its second annual Winter Gala. Over 200 people attended the gala, and more than $25,000 was raised.

“Ticket sales were above expectations, but so was our silent auction, which was three times as large as last year’s and raised much more than the $5,000 we projected. Our thanks to everyone who made it possible,” said Jeni Chapman, who, with Leonisa Ardizzone, co-chaired the event.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, a Washington Heights native, and parents Kathy Brito and Jeanine McAdam were honored at the event for their substantial contributions to the school. In his remarks, Stringer noted that what happened at the Winter Gala is exemplary and should be happening all over the city. Brito and McAdam thanked the community and 187 principal Cynthia Chory for forming a team that helped get things done. Principal Chory agreed as she presented them with their awards. “It’s all about teamwork, and once again, we’ve come together to form a team that has made our school one of the most admired in the city.”

FRIENDS OF PS/IS 187 BOOK READING WITH STEVEN SCHRADER

On Sunday, December 6, 2009, Friends of PS/IS 187 sponsored an event featuring Steven Schrader, a noted author who grew up in (and later wrote about) Washington Heights and P.S. 187. Mr. Schrader did a reading from his book, “What We Deserved: Stories from a New York Life,” in the lounge at Hudson View Gardens. The event featured music performed by teachers of the Hudson Heights String Academy and food and drink generously donated by Vines on Pine and Frank’s Market.

The event was attended by about 50 community members, including PS/IS 187 principal, Cynthia Chory, and raised approximately $1,500 in donations. In addition, Mr. Schrader, who is the co-chair of the board of directors of the Teachers and Writers Collaborative of New York City, donated signed copies of his books for sale and offered to donate half the cost of extending the current writing program at 187, with the Friends contributing the remainder.

Our sincere thanks to Mr. Schrader along with all who donated their time and services (as well as those who attended) for making this wonderful afternoon gathering such a success!

FRIENDS OF PS/IS 187 2009 WINTER GALA

On January 26, 2009, the newly formed “Friends of PS/IS 187″ held an inaugural winter gala honoring City Council Member Robert Jackson and kicking off the first year of operation as a not-for-profit. The event was held at the Founder’s Hall at Cabrini Community Center and was attended by approximately 130 community members, local business owners, and PS/IS 187 faculty, staff and parents. Wine, donated by Cabrini Wines, and Italian dishes, compliments of Bleu Evolution, were offered, as well as entertainment provided by the Leonisa Aridzzone Quintet.

Manhattan Borough President and Washington Heights native son Scott Stringer kicked off the program and encouraged everyone to up the ante on a particular auction item, breakfast for four with Mr. Stringer at Vicki’s. Next, Principal Cynthia Chory eloquently introduced the event’s honoree: Councilman Robert Jackson, the man who has done so much for the public school children of New York City.

FRIENDS OF PS/IS 187 WINTER GALA RAISES OVER $25K

200+ Turn Out for Event Honoring Scott Stringer, Kathy Brito, Jeanine McAdam

It may have been cold outside, but inside the Founders Hall at Mother Cabrini School, things were hot on Monday night, February 8th when Friends of PS/IS 187 hosted its second annual Winter Gala. Last year’s event saw 130 parents, teachers and friends raise $10,000 for the school. This year’s attendance was over 200, and the total raised, between ticket sales, contributions and an expanded Silent Auction reached well over $25,000. “It speaks volumes that, even in these times, people turned out in droves to support our school,” said Leonisa Ardizzone, co-chair of the event. “It shows the commitment we share to one of the best schools in the city.”

“Ticket sales were above expectations, but so was our Silent Auction, which was three times as large as last year’s and raised much more than the $5,000 we projected. Our thanks to everyone who made it possible,” said Jeni Chapman, who, with Ardizzone, co-chaired the event.

The event honored Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, a Washington Heights native, and activist parents Kathy Brito and Jeanine McAdam for their substantial contributions to the school spanning many years. In his remarks, Stringer noted that what happened at the Winter Gala is exemplary and should be happening all over the city. Brito and McAdam thanked the community and 187 principal Cynthia Chory for forming a team that helped get things done. Principal Chory agreed as she presented them with their awards. “It’s all about teamwork, and once again, we’ve come together to form a team that has made our school one of the most admired in the city.”

According to Victoria Frye, Friends of 187 Co-President, “The primary goal of the Friends of 187 is to raise significant funds for the school by offering tax receipts for major contributions and bringing neighborhood and alumni community resources to bear on the school.” Proceeds from last year’s event helped support the retention of a part-time art teacher and expanding the Teachers and Writers Collaborative program at the school. Plans for this year’s proceeds are yet to be determined. For more information about Friends of 187, see their website at: www.friendsof187.org.

Chris Leary Photographs

Visit this gallery to see dozens of more photographs of the 2010 Gala taken by Chris Leary. CLICK HERE.