Supporters of education in Norristown are willing to weather any storm to ensure the success of the students of Norristown Area School District.

“Even a storm the magnitude of the October 29 Nor’easter could not diminish the festivities of the Mardi Gras Dinner Dance or dampen the spirits of a 'Community Celebrating Education,'” said Event Chairperson Renee Golden. 

Shortly after 6pm on Saturday, Oct. 29, the ball room of the Plymouth Country Club filled with over 200 guests of the Norristown Area Education Foundation (NAEF), dressed in festive apparel and ready to share their time and resources for the good of Norristown students.

The evening began with an ensemble performed by the East Norriton Middle School Jazz Band! These very talented musicians demonstrated that Norristown students are indeed the very best students in Montgomery County – and beyond! 

Among the other activities carried out was the recognition of four educational and community leaders in Norristown. They were Dr. Theresa Carfagno, John Milligan, Dan Delaney, and Richard Johnson. Each received a Certificate of Recognition. The names of these individuals, along with the 2010 honorees, were engraved on a Perpetual Plaque that will be displayed in the Administration Building of the Norristown Area School District. The 2010 honorees were Payston Burt, Ernest Hadrick, E. Pearl Smith, and James Sayres.

Throughout the evening, our guests participated in a variety of fundraising activities, including the silent auction bidding on fabulous gifts. Sports enthusiasts competed for memorabilia signed by such giants as Kobe Bryant, Joe Paterno, Donovan McNabb, Dwight Howard, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Ryan Howard and many others! Baskets from the schools, jewelry, movie passes, cook books, home accessories, and restaurant coupons. Well, quite honestly, you name it and NAEF had it. During the live auction, vacations to Disney World and other resorts throughout the United States were won by the highest bidder thinking sunshine and sandy beaches!

By the close of the evening, the NAEF Technology Challenge Fund was replenished with thousands and thousands of new dollars earmarked for Smart Boards in the classrooms of Norristown Area School District.

Many thanks to the NASD technology experts, Mr. Mark Long and Mr. Tom Auman, for displaying and demonstrating the Smart Board that evening. You have to see it to believe it! The audience applauded as they learned the power of this tool used by K – 12 teachers across the School District to enhance the education of our students.   

The evening closed with everyone taking to the dance floor and dancing to the tunes of DJ Darby Brown. Oh, what a night!

The Technology Challenge will continue year round. Please remember that NAEF is a 501 C 3 charitable non-profit corporation and ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. With the 2011 tax season coming to a close on Dec. 31, please consider including NAEF in your charitable giving. The cost to equip one classroom is $3880, but any level of support will be very much appreciated! Checks can be made payable to NAEF and mailed to 401 North Whitehall Road, Norristown, 19403.

For more information, please contact Jessica Hickman Schneider, Executive Director via email at director@norrristownaef.org or by phone at 484-690-3662.

In closing, many, many thanks to everyone in attendance on October 31! Thanks to our donors and volunteers and congratulations to the winners of the fabulous prizes! Your contribution takes us one step closer to achieving the goal of equipping every classroom in the School District with Smart Board technology.

The Mission of the Norristown Area Education Foundation is to provide independent financial funding to support challenging and enriching innovations that will maximize the learning potential of all students in the Norristown Area School District.