Earlier this month, The Calais Foundation hosted their 9th Annual Gala at The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, NJ. The event was well attended by guests including families and friends of the foundation and students, faculty and staff from The Calais School. The Gala not only raised $65,000, it also showcased the wonderful work produced by Calais students in the Floral Design, Culinary Arts and Art programs.

Students studying Floral Design & Landscape at The Calais School prepared all of the floral centerpieces and dignitaries’ boutonnieres.  Original artwork produced by students under the instruction of Kevin Brooks, The Calais School’s Artist-in-Residence, were displayed throughout the venue. Perhaps the most impressive contribution from Calais’ students, based on sheer quantity, was the dessert! Under the tutelage of Assistant Principal, Steve Sokolewicz and the school’s nutritionist Kelly Walsh, the Culinary Arts classes worked for several weeks perfecting their donut recipe for the Gala’s donut wall. Ultimately 300 donuts were prodprivate special education school north jerseyuced!

Much of the funding raised at the event will benefit The Calais School and enable us to continue offering programs that require financial support beyond the basic cost of tuition. These programs include Animal Assisted Interventions, a stipend for Structured Learning Experience (SLE) students, our annual Touchdown For Success Youth Empowerment event this June, Artist-in-Residence, and so much more! We are grateful for all the support and generosity of our families, faculty, staff and donors.