The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ – The Education Foundation of Millburn-Short Hills held its annual “Millburn Schools Rock Gala” at the Crestmont Country Club Friday night.  Nearly 600 attendees packed the sold-out venue and enjoyed a festive evening of food, drink, auction bidding, live music, dancing and revelry.

The evening went off without a hitch, as partygoers flowed from the auction room with long tables filled with an astounding array of prizes, to the equally large room dedicated to the live music and the third main area filled with plentiful food stations.

“Every year they set the bar a little higher, and then exceed it,” said resident Jacqueline Lieberberg.

“Kudos to the Ed Foundation committee and the incredible dedication of the chairs, Debbie and Amy,” said Robin Politan.

Superintendant of Schools, James Crisfield, commented, “The logistics required to put this evening together are nothing short of amazing.”

Town resident Steve Hess was equally impressed, saying, “This is the preeminent community event of the year.  Really, the best event out there.  And the bands…they’re all my neighbors and they’re wonderful.”

The band he referenced are three of Millburn’s finest, Poet Section, Cat’s Ok Band, and The Undertakers, who kept the party rocking all night long. All three bands feature amazing local talent and include parents of Millburn students, making them fitting choices to help celebrate an evening benefitting the local schools.  Partygoers were impressed with the quality and variety of music throughout the night, with classic rock, funk, blues and jam-band favorites keeping spirits high.

Attendees expressed enthusiasm over this year’s event and expect the money raised to set a new record, but the total is still being calculated.

“This year, there are more people and better prizes,” said Colleen Grazioso. “Now that my kids are in the Middle School, I know a lot more people, so this is even more fun.”

Education Foundation co-presidents, Amy Talbert and Debbie Rieder, have succeeded in marking the Foundation’s 20th anniversary with its largest gala ever.  Rieder commented, "We are so grateful to have the support of our community.   Our volunteers, our donors, our bands, our supporters, our school administrators, our guests all made this an incredible evening that will help us make a huge difference for all the Millburn/Short Hills students."

Funds raised at the event will be used to enrich the experience of students in the school district.  Sponsors of the event were: Shannon Aronson, Sales Associate at Keller Williams Realty;  Bergman Law LLC; The Lenner Family; Investors Bank; Louis Rizio MD Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center; Regal Bank; Plastic Surgery of Short Hills; Simon Westfall-Kwong of RE/MAX Village Square; and Comprehensive Orthopaedics.