Ready for a big celebration? We are! The excitement here at the Calais School is building as we prepare for our 10th Annual Gala on April 27th from 6 to 9 pm at the elegant Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.


The past two years have really shown us all how important community is! We all need to get out, get together, and enjoy life again! That’s why we can’t wait to see Calais friends, family, faculty, staff and donors face-to-face! Are you ready to come out and support the Calais Foundation and the Calais School?

Our special evening begins with a cocktail hour at the bar and outside patio of the Park Savoy, weather permitting. Guests will mingle, enjoy the piano playing of Seton Hall Student Nicholas Nader, and stroll through a special art exhibition curated by Calais Art Teacher Mrs. Orna, representing Calais student artwork at all grade levels.

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of beautifully decorated Tricky Tray gift baskets ranging from a golf foursome at the Crystal Springs Golf Course to a Ticketmaster gift certificate, all generously donated by local New Jersey businesses. In addition, each Calais classroom has contributed their very own class-themed basket. Some of the creative-themed class baskets to look for include a Coffee & Tea Lovers basket, a handyperson Basket — even a special Pamper Mom basket — just in time for Mother’s Day!

The evening will continue into the ballroom as guests make their way to their assigned tables, each topped with student-designed floral centerpieces. Tommy Hilcken, of Tommy Hilcken Productions will emcee throughout the evening as guests enjoy a three-course dinner. As a motivational humorist and keynote speaker, Tommy believes in using laughter to connect with his audience. He has performed at over 6,000 speaking and magic/comedy engagements and is a toastmaster Humorous Speech Champion, a member of the National Speakers Association, and a certified life success coach by the Proctor Gallagher Institute.

Richard Gentles, President of The Calais Foundation will welcome guests followed by a special tribute to the late Daniel Karger from the Executive Director of the Calais School David Leitner and Board Trustee Howard Buxbaum. Daniel was a fifteen-year member of the Calais School Board of Trustees and co-founder of the Calais Foundation.

David Leitner will also present The McClafferty Award to Brian Tarpey, President of Tarpey Group for Brian’s continued commitment to helping children with special needs. John Cohrs, Principal of the Calais School will follow with a presentation of the Leitner Excellence in Education Award to Carol Vorhies and the nursing staff for valiantly serving the school, its staff and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our Gala promises to be an uplifting, inspirational, and memorable evening that you won’t want to miss.

Please join us! Tickets are still available for purchase at https://calaisfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/40316-the-calais-foundation-10th-annual-gala

A reduced ticket rate is available for Calais Staff Faculty and Students. Visit: https://calaisfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/40412-10th-annual-gala-2022-calais-parents-staff

All ticket proceeds benefit children and young adults with special needs.