To the Editor:

The Haldane School Foundation's fall fundraiser was a big success, raising about $10,000 for Haldane. This money makes it possible for the Foundation to fund a variety of enrichment programs that are outside the scope of the school budget—making the difference between a good education and a great education. While raising $10,000 in this economy is truly an amazing feat, it's not surprising considering our wonderful community.

I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for this event—the 120 tickets purchased, the yummy platters donated by local food establishments like Cold Spring Pizza/Deli, Silver Spoon Café, Cup-o-ccino, The Foundry Café, Whistling Willie's, The Main Course, Angelina's Pizza, Foodtown, Le Bouchon, and Cathryn's Tuscan Grille, and the various donations to make our silent auction a success.

Even in these tough economic times we still received various donations to make our silent auction a success. Many of our local merchants, such as the Country Goose, Payning by Caryn, and Women's Work, continued to give back to the community while new board members networked tirelessly for silent auction donations of innovative services, products, and artwork provided by many Haldane parents. Haldane art teacher Jean Cendali had grades 1 and 2 paint beautiful birdhouses that were auctioned off as well as the very popular homework passes by Elementary Principal Maggie Davis.

As I watched the sun set over the rolling hills at Glynwood Farms and the people mingled inside and out waiting for the right moment to bid on their favorite silent auction item, I realized this event may have been organized by the Haldane School Foundation but our success is due to our dedicated community.
Danielle Locastro
President, Haldane
School Foundation
Cold Spring