The terrace at SoHo Square was transformed into an elegant outdoor dinner space for 540 guests as the Homewood City Schools Foundation (HCSF) hosted their annual Homewood Grown fundraiser on April 18.
With a theme of “Roots and Wings,” the Foundation’s events committee chair, Rachel Stone, used chalk-drawn illustrations of official HCSF tree logo, along with feathers, fresh flowers and lighted branches to create a magical garden atmosphere for guests. Each design element reinforced the message that investments in educating Homewood students ensures they have the roots to be grounded and the wings to fly off to success.
Bright, watermelon-colored tablecloths and black paper draped each table, set for 10. Café DuPont catered the meal, which was served family style—encouraging tablemates to visit and create new connections with each other.
After performances by singers Rebecca Feldman, a Homewood High School senior, and Hap Williams, an HHS alum, guests were welcomed by HCSF Board Vice President Emmie Smith. Julie Keith, Past-President, presented a video highlighting the five 2016 Teacher Impact Award winners. Each teacher received an award and a $100 gift card to Gianmarco’s Restaurant and $500 towards classroom enhancements.
Superintendent Dr. Bill Cleveland introduced the keynote speaker Ronald Nored, a Homewood graduate and current coach of the Long Island Nets professional basketball team. Nored spoke fondly of his years growing up in Homewood and how the community, his teachers and his coaches gave him the deep roots he still has in Homewood, and the wings he has used to fly to incredible levels of success in basketball, both as a college student and a coach.
While HHS Patriot Pride Ambassadors delivered custom feather-shaped shortbread cookies, President Trent Ponder encouraged guests to continue to give to support the Foundation’s mission to provide curriculum enhancements and educational development to impact every student in the system.
Homewood Grown picture album – Courtesy of Scott Butler – LAH