973-884-2030 
The excitement is growing as we close in on our highly anticipated flagship fundraiser! Mark your calendars for April 24th and join us for our 12th Annual Calais Foundation Gala at 6pm at the Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Avenue East Hanover. The Gala is a heartfelt evening that brings the Calais community together for fun, food and raising funds for special needs.
When you purchase gala tickets, you are supporting students with special needs across Northern New Jersey who are attending the Calais School in grades k-12 plus. 100 percent of gala ticket proceeds fund innovative, therapeutic programs that Calais students depend on – not covered by tuition alone.
The gala is also a platform for acknowledging those who went above and beyond for the special needs community. This year, we will recognize three exceptional women who have each made indelible marks on the lives of children and young adults with special needs.
Meet Our Honorees:
Kerri Wright
Kerri Wright, a principal at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C., co-chairs the Education and Employment Team. She focuses her practice in the areas of education law and employment law, specifically in the representation of management in both counseling and litigation. Kerri has significant experience representing private schools, public school boards, charter schools, and colleges. In her own words, Kerri describes what it means to be honored with The McClafferty Award.
“Receiving this award is validation that the work I do as a member of the larger Calais School team is having an impact on the School, and most importantly the children served by the School. The work that I do, along with my colleagues at Porzio, is about making sure that all children served by the Calais School have what they need to succeed. I am so happy and honored to be a small part of that effort.”
Subha Bolisetty
Subha Bolisetty is no stranger to Calais. As the parent of a former Calais School student, she served as the Calais PTO founder and president. Even though her son is no longer a student, her impact at the school is felt daily. Today, she’s a Disability and Mental Health Advocate with a mission to eradicate stigmas around disability and mental health. She will be awarded the Making a Difference Award for her continued commitment and work in the special needs community. Subha describes what this award means to her.
“It’s a great honor to receive this award, and this award is not just for me and it belongs to all caregivers that are passionately trying to make a positive difference in the community. This award is an encouragement to continue to make a difference whether it is sharing resources with other parents, families and caregivers or fighting for inclusion or educating those who never came across anyone with disabilities.”
Chef Al-Nisa Salaam
Chef Al-Nisa Salaam is the 2024 Leitner Excellence in Education Award. Throughout her two-decade culinary career, Chef Salaam has worked in many facets of the food service industry, from small startups to large resort hotel chains in South Carolina coast, to her home in New Jersey.
Now, as Calais’ Schools Culinary Arts Instructor, she provides students in her culinary classes with invaluable exposure to the hospitality and food industries. Chef Salaam’s holistic approach goes beyond Culinary Arts to include lessons in nutrition, mental wellness and independent living. She believes in investing in each student’s journey and offering personalized support and encouragement that extends beyond traditional cooking lessons. Chef Salaam is excited and proud to be recognized for a job that she clearly loves.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for this award by the Calais School for my past and present work with an amazing group of students. It also showcases the Management as supportive, inclusive of practices that support their employees.”
About the Gala:
The Gala will begin with a cocktail hour as guests mingle, enjoying cocktails and hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, while bidding on tricky tray and silent auction items. This year attendees can also expect a few surprises from students at The Calais School. Guests will then enjoy a sit-down dinner, honoree presentations and entertainment by the evening’s emcee Tommy Hilcken.
