Congressman John Hall Attends Haldane Snow Ball
The Haldane School Foundation's annual Snow Ball capped off winter on a bright note, raising more than $30,000 to be used for grants and enrichment initiatives at Haldane Central School.

More than 200 local parents, teachers, public officials, and community members turned out in black and white on Saturday, March 10th, when the Haldane School Foundation hosted its sixth annual Snow Ball, the Black and White Gala, a benefit for Haldane Central School.

Twenty-five local businesses- including contractors, jewelers, real estate agencies, and art galleries- underwrote the costs of the event, the local not-for-profit's biggest fundraiser of the year. In keeping with the evening's theme, designer Robert Millis of Cold Spring Gardens, in Nelsonville, volunteered his time and talent to dress the Dutchess Manor, in Beacon, in an array of black and white floral arrangements.

"A commitment to quality public education is the bedrock of our democracy, and the example set by this community and by the Haldane School Foundation serves as a model for school districts around the state," said United States Congressman John Hall. In the evening's welcoming remarks, Rep. Hall praised the local community's record of finding innovative ways to enrich education, even while stretching to meet increased costs associated with Federally mandated programs.

State Senator Vincent Leibell and Putnam County Legislator Vinny Tamagna also numbered among those who came together to share the evening's diversions- including a four-course dinner, music and dancing led by the New York Players, and some friendly competition at the Silent Auction tables, where items donated for bidding included fine jewelry, New York Jets tickets, a cruise on the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, and a day of auto racing in a Lotus. All profits from the evening- estimated at more than $30,000- are targeted to fund grants, enrichment programs, and other initiatives to benefit children in every grade of Haldane Central School.

"This is a community that never fails to pitch in to achieve common goals," said Seamus Carroll, president of the Haldane School Foundation, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting excellence in public education. "Our annual Snow Ball gives us all a chance to work together and have fun at the same time. It's gratifying to see so many people come out to support our community's children." For more information about the Snow Ball, or to learn more about Haldane School Foundation programs and volunteer opportunities, visit

www.haldaneschoolfoundation.org.