On April 13 the children of Dutch Neck presented the West Windsor Plainsboro Education Foundation with a check for over $11,000. I have gotten phone calls and questions about how we did this amazing thing; raise a large sum of money for a fantastic non-profit that supports all the children within our community.
It all began when Dutch Neck’s principal, Jeanine Heil, sparked an idea to have an art auction. We talked about our theme for the year, “Dexter’s Good Deeds,” how the children of Dutch Neck could give back in a unique and fun way, and what lessons we hoped the children would learn.
We also heard Marcia Fleres of the WW-P Education Foundation explain to the district that the foundation had suffered a large loss of corporate funding. These two conversations planted the seeds for a collaboration between administrators, teachers, children, parent volunteers, and area businesses.
The Dutch Neck Art Auction was held at Mercer Oaks on April 8. There were 39 beautiful pieces of unique art created by each Dutch Neck classroom full of inspiring artists. We had 30 raffle items donated by businesses, Cranberry’s Gourmet and McCaffreys donated desserts, and Wildflowers and Pernas donated floral centerpieces.
The children saw how their enthusiasm, creativity, and effort paid off when three area businesses each made $500 donations to the Education Foundation. Thank you to David Shapiro, DMD, Princeton Nassau Pediatrics, and Williams Builder for honoring the children with these donations.
Seeing 786 children’s faces swell with pride was an amazing, heartwarming sight. I am not sure anyone imagined that this event would be such a success. It was because we all came together to make this event spectacular. Some people have said “the art auction was better than I ever hoped.” In the words of St. Clement of Alexandra “If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.” Congratulations Dutch Neck and thank you. This accomplishment did go way beyond hope! Joan Fennell
PTA President, Dutch Neck School
