On May, 24 2023 we came together at the elegant Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park for the 11th Annual Calais Foundation Gala. We welcomed 160 attendees and raised over 40K to provide programs and resources for children with special needs across North Jersey. 

The festivities began with a cocktail reception and live piano music by Bedros Maldjian. Gala Emcee Tommy Hilcken welcomed guests into the ballroom followed by opening remarks from Calais Board President Richard Gentles and presentations of the annual honorees.

This year, three individuals were recognized for their inspiration, passion and service to the special needs community. David Rostan, Esq. one of the founding members of the Calais Foundation, was presented with the “Making a Difference Award”. Michael Montelbano VP of Production at Allied Printing received the “McClafferty Award” and Ashley Soleau, Communication Director of The Calais School was honored with “The Leitner Excellence in Education” Award.

After the three-course sit-down dinner concluded, Calais Alumna Chelsea Colongon shared her success story in a large video format. Chelsea candidly discussed her personal struggles and how her experience as a Calais student paved the way to her future success in college and later employment. The evening ended with the announcement of the raffle, tricky tray and 50/50 winners and closing remarks from Mr. Hilcken.

Besides being their largest annual fundraiser, the Calais Foundation Gala serves as a platform to share knowledge, resources, updates and progress in the special needs community and within the Calais School.

This year, too, many Calais students played a part in the Gala in various ways. Calais pastry students prepared the beautiful cookie favors adorned with the Calais Foundation logo. Calais students in the floral design class designed the table centerpieces and Calais art and fashion design students displayed their work along the windows in the ballroom.

 

“We are so thankful for the generous and continued support year after year in our local community. Children with special needs struggle with more than just the challenges presented by their disability”, explains Calais School Executive Director John Cohrs, “They struggle with feelings of isolation, loss of hope, shattered self esteem. Through both the Calais School and the Calais Foundation, we strive to give students a safe place where they can thrive, be productive members of the community and exceed their possibilities.”

A special thank you to our generous gala sponsors: Alfonso & Webber, LLC, Allied Printing & Graphics, Ameriprise Financial, Charles McClafferty, Equal Opportunity Support Services, Hackensack Foot and Ankle Center, Healthy Home Advocate, Nisivoccia, Partlow Insurance, Psychological and Educational Consulting, LLC, School Accounting Professionals LLC, Tarpey Group and UBS United Business Systems.

The Calais Foundation also received donations of goods and services for the gala from Calais families, Calais School Homerooms and over 50 local New Jersey businesses and organizations.