By Eileen Symmons
For the past 22 years, parents, family members, faculty, administration, and friends of St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset, have gathered annually to celebrate the fantastic work done by so many hands—all to benefit the students at the Catholic school.
The Casino Night-themed event proved no different as guests went all in by spending the evening rolling the dice and trying their hands at gaming tables in the main room of Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club. The spirit was high from the start and continued throughout the night with non-stop laughter and Vegas-style gaming fun. The event not only yielded new friendships made and old ones rekindled, but it gave members of the school community a reason to celebrate an institution that has provided exceptional academic instruction while students are formed in their Catholic faith for over 90 years.
Each year, fundraising initiatives such as facility improvements, programs, security, or technology are set in motion to enhance the overall student experience at St. Mary’s. This year, Sarah de Venoge, principal of St. Mary’s Elementary School, launched a campaign to renovate classrooms that will now become additional cutting-edge computer labs in the school.
“This year’s Take-A-Break was a hugely successful event in that not only was it an entertaining night of community building, but we also were able to meet and exceed our fundraising goal to jump-start our technology overhaul,” said de Venoge. “Thanks to the generosity of our parent community, we will begin construction on two new technology labs in July, and we have already placed the order for 35 new computers.”
She continued by saying, “I owe a sincere thank you to all who worked so tirelessly to make the night a success and to those who supported the event. This work is not possible without your commitment to St. Mary’s Elementary School.”
“The education of our St. Mary’s students is in very competent hands with Ms. de Venoge at the helm. As an alumna of both St. Mary’s Elementary and High School, she brings her vast experience, deep faith, loyalty, and love for St. Mary’s to work every day. Her vision for our current and future students of the elementary school is quite remarkable,” said Fr. Robert A. Romeo, pastor of Saint Mary.
For more information on St. Mary’s Elementary School, visit www.stmary11030.org or call 516-627-0184.
