Submitted by the New Haven Schools Foundation:
The New Haven Schools Foundation raised more than $23,000 Saturday night – and a great time was had by all – at "An Evening in Monte Carlo,” a casino-night event that drew a sell-out crowd to the Union City Sports Center.
Dinner, catered by Federicos’ Tapas and Wine Bar, pleased the palate, gaming tables echoed with laughter and glee.
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At the end of the delightful evening, several lucky winners came away with auction and drawing prizes.
The prizes included a 42-inch flat-screen television donated by Tri-CED Community Recycling, a Ducane barbeque grill donated by Dale Hardware, and a Kindle Fire donated by Best Buy.
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Hayward City Council Member Francisco Zermeño used his auctioneer skills to preside over spirited betting that helped raise more than $4,000 during the live auction.
Prizes included premium San Francisco Giants tickets donated by Ropers, Majeski, Kohn & Bentley; two round-trip airfares to Hawaii donated by Mango Tours; and a luxury suite at an Oakland A’s game donated by Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer.
Foundation President Cindy O’Brien thanked event sponsors Tri-CED Community Recycling, Federicos’ Tapas & Wine Bar, Too Much Fun Club, Inc., the New Haven Teachers Association, the City of Union City and the New Haven Boosters Association, as well as the New Haven Unified School District.
She also thanked James Logan High School’s Interact club, led by student organizer Priscilla Wu, for set-up duty, and Boy Scout Venture Crew 186, led by New Haven teacher Kathy Mabie, for bussing and clean-up.
“Much appreciation also goes out to Rebecca Venable and her planning committee: Charmaine Banther, Cheryl Kuhlmann, Cindy O’Brien, Eileen Riener and Bridget Russell,” Ms. O’Brien said, “and to Foundation Executive Director Barbara Aro-Valle.”
"Last, but definitely not least, the Foundation would like to thank everyone who attended for their support of this inaugural event,” Ms. O’Brien said, “We hope everyone will be back for an encore next year!”
