Thank you to our 200 plus attendees, donors, volunteers and families who came out to support the Calais Foundation’s 12th Annual Gala on April 24th.  This flagship fundraiser, held at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover, raised over $70,000 to fund essential Calais programs. While the entire evening was a notable success, the most memorable moments were with our talented and inspiring students.

Following a cocktail hour with a tricky tray and silent auction, Calais School 12 Plus student Jacob Phelps wooed the crowd with a stellar live performance of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Jacob, a trained opera singer, has performed at Carnegie Hall multiple times. He will be graduating from The Calais School this June and will be attending St. Joseph’s University in the Fall. 

Calais Community members also found inspiration in the personal story of Calais Alumna Heather McGuire. Heather, once a student at The Calais School, returned to her alma mater as a therapy dog handler. She shared her full-circle journey in a memorable video on a large screen format.

Mr. Kells and his “Cougars on the Clock” student news team showcased their journalism talents while conducting live interviews with Gala guests. Calais Visual Arts students produced artwork for purchase – bringing in $100 in donations. High school and 12 Plus students also prepared all of the floral arrangements while Culinary Arts students helped prepare custom cookies for dessert.

This year’s gala also honored three exceptional women for their dedication to the special needs community:  Kerri Wright, Principal at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, Subha Bolisetty, Disability and Mental Health Advocate and Calais Culinary Arts teacher, Chef Al-Nisa Salaa. 

“We are so thankful for the generous and continued support year after year from our local community.” explains Executive Director John Cohrs, “Through this steadfast support we have been able to implement specialized methods that empower our students.” 

The Gala also showcased our trailblazing therapy dog program. Guests had an opportunity to interact with three of the school’s therapy dogs Bella, Tenney and Brady and their handlers. The unique program has and continues to help countless Calais students during school hours achieve academic, behavioral and therapeutic success. 

The Calais Foundation also received donations of goods from Calais School families, faculty and staff as well as over 50 businesses and organizations in the tri-state area including the Today Show, NY Jets, NY Yankees, Trader Joes, Santander Bank, Peapack Gladstone Bank, Crunch Fitness and so many more.