Teachers and staff recognized from left: Michele Dubs, Lisa Hurff, Carrie Merritt, Jennifer Dwyers, Randy Kohr, Joel Dugan, Andrew Benfer. (Not pictured is Todd Lauer)
By Maddy Vitale
The Ocean City Parent Teacher Association decided to create some excitement with a fundraiser. Instead of a commonplace event, members on the fundraising committee decided to do it up – and oh, they did.
The PTA hosted “A Night in Monte Carlo” event April 6 at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City, 4487 Venicean Road, to a packed crowd of 200. There was dancing, fancy appetizers and a bit of casino-style gaming.
In all, the PTA raised more than $18,000 at the event. Proceeds will help fund improvements to Ocean City’s Primary and Intermediate Schools' playground equipment, enhancements to the Intermediate School’s STEM Program and field trips for students in grades kindergarten through eighth.
Sponsorship funds of $15,000 more than covered the cost of the night, which was around $13,500, said PTA President Jocelyn Palaganas.
“It is like a wedding, for sure,” she joked of the money that came in from the festive function. “The committee did a great job covering the expenses.”
The fundraiser brought in $18,000 for education grants.
This was also the first time the Ocean City PTA held a fundraiser in Sea Isle at the Yacht Club. Reflecting its success, they plan to do it again there next year.
“It was crazy because it was a brand new event,” Palaganas said. “We were very happy that we were able to bring a successful sponsorship with the parents of both Ocean City and Sea Isle because Sea Isle is a part of our district.”
She attributed much of the event's success to partnering with a lot of Sea Isle businesses.
“A lot of locals are already looking forward to next year’s fundraiser,” Palaganas said. “They recognize that they are part of the district.”
PTA member Kristy Pittaluga, a Sea Isle resident, served as the chairwoman of the casino fundraiser.
“I think as a Sea Isle resident, it felt really good to have Sea Isle really involved," Pittaluga said. "We were able to participate and help raise money.”
Teachers and staff recognized from left: Michele Dubs, Lisa Hurff, Carrie Merritt, Jennifer Dwyers, Randy Kohr, Joel Dugan, Andrew Benfer. (Not pictured is Todd Lauer)
The Ocean City PTA has 180 members from both the Ocean City Primary School and Intermediate School.
Members of the casino committee were Palaganas and Pittaluga, Shannon McAllister, Jill Levchuk, Erica Schaffer and Kate Vanderschuere.
In addition to the casino event, they also hosted a successful Fun Run in which they raised approximately $17,000 for grants, Palaganas said.
They also hold book fairs, Secret Santa and dodge ball fundraisers.
In addition to dancing, great food and casino-style gaming, the PTA honored eight teachers and school staff who are very supportive of the PTA and its mission, Palaganas noted.
They are as follows: Randy Kohr, Carrie Merritt, Joel Dugan and Lisa Hurff from the Primary School and Andrew Bender, Jennifer Dwyer, Michele Dubs and Todd Lauer from the Intermediate School.
To learn more about the Ocean City PTA, visit the organization on Facebook
PTA President Jocelyn Palaganas, left, with PTA member and chairwoman of the Casino Committee Kristy Pittaluga.
