SOMERS POINT — The Somers Point Foundation for Education has scheduled its second annual mixer and cash raffle for April 25 at Somers Point Brewing Co.
Chuck Westcott, a member of the foundation board, said the group consists of a mix of parents, residents, teachers, new superintendent Ted Pugliese, business members and others.
“The sole purpose is to raise money to provide for gaps in funding for special projects,” Westcott said.
Westcott, who has served as president of the Somers Point Business Association and chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Commission, said the foundation presents an annual technology grant, noting a teacher needs adaptive furniture for a child on the autism spectrum so that he or she can have a spot to calm down.
“The foundation provides these kinds of fund. They also fund the annual field trip, which disappeared for a few of years during COVID and I am happy to say it’s back,” he said, referring to the eighth-grade trip to Stokes State Forest.
The event is scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. at the microbrewery, 705 W. New York Ave., so that district employees can attend directly after school.
“We call it a mixer because we are trying to have a little more contact between the teachers in the district and the community,” Westcott said.
Admission is $10 and includes a free beverage, while tickets for the cash raffle are $20. The prizes are 30 percent, 15 percent and 5 percent, with the other 50 percent going to the foundation.
“They insist that you do not give it back,” Westcott said. “The goal is to get the community to participate and raise money for the funds that support the school and the kids. It’s really all about the kids.”
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff