In lieu of its Annual Wine Tasting Soirée, Adventures in Learning’s second virtual fundraiser was a huge success! The outpouring of continued and enthusiastic support by donors for Adventures’ mission as a superb afterschool mentoring and teaching program for underserved children in the Manhasset and Great Neck school districts was amazing.
This year’s winners of the always popular Kash for Kids raffle were:
First Prize $2500: Becky and John Donahue
Second Prize $1000: Becky and John Donahue
Third Prize $500: Richard and Michelle Itri
Diana Holden, executive director of Adventures, noted that “even though the pandemic was still present, the community responded knowing full well that this support for Adventures was highly critical, especially for our children. Tutoring and mentoring continued. Extensive precautions were taken to reduce exposure to the virus. All students and staff complied. On behalf of everyone at Adventures, we are most thankful to the heartfelt support by local residents and businesses. It was incredible.”
The Shelter Rock Food Pantry through its strong volunteer efforts kept the pantry going for families while Adventures in Learning’s Restaurant Community Partners stepped right up to the plate to also help.
Teresa Weston of Publicans remarked that “donating meals was a way for Publicans to give back.” Amy Keogh of Schout Bay Tavern stated that “it was very tough to receive emails about local families in dire need of food and meals.”
Don Bekteshi of Villa Milano said that “it was priceless for us to help and to see that these kids would know that the community cares.” Louie LaRocca of Gino’s remarked that “it was wonderful to see the community come together to help these families.”
The Manhasset elementary schools from administrators to faculty to social workers and others provided fantastic support while working alongside Adventures as they prepared elementary students for middle school.
Recently Adventures established its first Adventures in Learning Associate Board consisting of a group of young emerging leaders who dedicate their own time, talents, networks and resources to raise awareness and support for Adventures’ work and mission.
The associate board’s objectives are to promote Adventures’ programs and accomplishments, to secure individual and organizational financial resources via fundraising activities, to facilitate pro bono support and program involvement as well as contributing to the professional talents and skills of its members.
Founded 53 years ago by the Congregational Church of Manhasset, Adventures in Learning is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It is an after-school education and enrichment program, located in the Hagedorn Community Center at the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC building at 65 High Street, Manhasset, dedicated to improving the lives of children in Manhasset and Great Neck in need of after school care and instruction.
