(PHOTO: Whitney Whipple (Gala Co-chair), Jamie McDonald (Auctioneer), Danielle Kindler (Gala Co-chair) at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)
The Rye Fund for Education (RFE) celebrated its 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, at Westchester Country Club, raising $375,000 for the Rye City School District. RFE brings opportunity and innovation through traditional grants and insta-grants to Rye schools. The current school year has seen Rye schools benefit from over 30 RFE grants.
Over 300 parents and community members came together for the event. “The overwhelming support from our community is not just heartwarming; it’s transformative for our schools,” said Danielle Kindler, one of the evening’s dedicated co-chairs along with Whitney Whipple.
A highlight of the evening was the grant showcase, where an array of projects, programming initiatives, advanced technology and other investments that RFE made this year were on display. Guests learned more about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program grant ($43,000) and Animation Studio grant ($60,000) among others. Guests were greeted with music by 4th and 5th grade band students, showcasing new percussion instruments procured through a recent grant.
The festivities included a cocktail hour accompanied by two mentalists and a roaming photographer, followed by dinner. A RFE video showcased the group’s role in the Rye schools.
(PHOTO: Dr. Eric Byrne, superintendent of the RCSD at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)
Eric Byrne, superintendent of RCSD, spoke about the role of community support in maintaining robust schools. With a significant portion of RCSD’s budget allocated to fixed costs, RFE’s fundraising efforts help bridge the gap, enabling innovative projects beyond the scope of RCSD’s operating budget.
A paddle raise brought in over $330,000 in a matter of minutes. This was in addition to sponsorships and donations received from local businesses and families that pushed the total funds raised to $375,000. You can support RFE via a donation online.
Photos:
(PHOTO: Jen Sheriffs and Rosana Colliniates, RFE Grant co-chairs, at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Ben Bubeck and Sapna Canet at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Emily Borrell and Oula Silber at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Jason Osier, Alissa Osier, Brenden Hanley at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Emily Wells, Corry Hyer, Rebecca LaNeve Foster, Simone Bonnet and Felise Kowlowitz at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Whitney and Rob Whipple at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Javier Martinez and Bryan Bellmare at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Rye High School Assistant Principal Dr. William Meyer and Rye City School District Director of Technology Kaitlyn Sassone at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Guests at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Diane Martin, Lina Eroh, Valerie Chuebon, Kelly Shaw, Kristin Martinez, Whitney Whipple, Sarah Fraser and Katie Finnegan at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Emily Kindler Tisdale and Heather Kosiek at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Rye Fund for Education President Ronda Gilroy at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)(PHOTO: Rye City School District Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Boyle, Rye City School District Superintendent Eric Byrne and Rye City School District Board of Education President Jane Anderson at the Rye Fund for Education (RFE)’s 2nd Annual “Spark The Night” Gala on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at Westchester Country Club. The event raised $375,000 for the Rye City School District.)
