Lakeland Education Foundation Sets Own Fundraising Record at Annual Event

The Lakeland Education Foundation (LEF) set a record this year at its annual Casino Night event on March 19, raising more than $32,000 and breaking its previous single event fundraising record by a 22 percent margin.

More than 320 guests attended the silent auction. LEF's 18th annual Casino Night and Dinner Dance was held at the Villa Barone in Mahopac, having outgrown its previous venue.

“The Colonial Terrace was always very supportive and agreat place to hold our annual party, but we just needed more space,” event co-chair and trustee Joanne Comerford said. 

The silent auction committee co-chairs and sister-in-laws, Diane and Denise Kness started their planning and soliciting of auction items a year ago. Roughly 75 items were collected and offered for auction, and a committee of more than a dozen trustees and volunteers helped.

“It was a very long year, but in hindsight it was worth every minute” Diane Kness said about the silent auctions’ success.

As per tradition, the LEF honored two of its biggest supporters. This year's honorees were Katherine DeMaio, secretary to Lakeland’s Superintendent of Schools and Camille Parisi, a sixth grade teacher at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School. 

“For many years now Kathy has thankfully been our go-to person within the administration,” LEF president Mike Sitzer said. DeMaio has also been a regular volunteer helping out at most LEF functions.

Camille Parisi has for been an LEF proponent within the schools, encouraging staff to apply for LEF grants, raising LEF awareness and funds, and volunteering wherever needed.

“If only we had more supporters like Camille,” event co-chair Rachelle Nardelli said. 

The LEF is actively looking for new volunteers, trustees and donors.

If you are interested in helping the LEF to raise money to fund education grants to the Lakeland Schools, please email your contact information to LEF@LakelandSchools.org or call Mike Sitzer at 914-582-1952.