Here’s a recap of our wonderful event from AEFI President Joan Miller:
A $10,000 math grant, poker, an amazing gift with an incredible story, another amazing gift with another incredible story, great selection of beers……. a random list?
The Amesbury Educational Foundation, Inc.’s 2nd Annual Autumn Evening of Giving is the common thread in the list above. It was a fun and rewarding night as Holly Shay presented the 2nd annual Sgt. Jordan M. Shay Memorial Grant for “Making Math Accessible” for all Amesbury High School students, authored by AHS Math Department director Barbara Leary. In the grant application, Ms. Leary wrote: “What would it be like if math class was fun…what would it be like if every student could experience some success in math class, regardless of the topic…what would it be like if no student received a failing MCAS letter from the state or had to take a remedial math class in college?” Those are the lofty goals for grades 9-12 math teachers, now armed with new tools to help all students strive toward these goals after the awarding of this grant. In addition to receiving the $10,000 grant, The Sgt. Jordan M. Shay Memorial Grant trophy is now displayed at the high school. This trophy travels from school to school as this grant is awarded each year in honor of Jordan, who graduated from Amesbury High School in 2001. He went on to serve in the United States Army and was killed in Iraq in September of 2009. His mother, Holly Shay, awarded the math grant, and told a packed Ale House crowd about Jordan’s wish to create this memorial fund to encourage students to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as another incredible story unfolded, as our very own Board member Woody Cammett (Cammett Engineering) and his wife Marcia, made a $10,000 donation to AEFI in honor of Sue Deorocki. As Sue stood next to Woody, he expressed that she was the epitome of “giving,” as last November she donated her kidney to Woody. He further noted that honoring Sue also made sense due to her strong connection to the Shay family. We are thrilled and deeply touched by Woody and Marcia’s gift of sponsoring this annual event.
Once again, AEFI is overwhelmed by the generosity of the owners of the Ale House in downtown Amesbury, Jeff Nahas and Greg Haley and of course Kelly, Matt, Lisa, Eric and the entire exceptional wait staff. The grant itself would not be possible without the extraordinary gifts from The Jordan M. Shay Memorial Fund, The Provident Bank, and Heat Events Management. Special thanks also goes to Healey, DeShaies, Gagliardi and Woeffel; Shaheen Brothers; and Paula Blair for their generous donations.
The event planners are an exceptional crew! We express thanks to Cathy Toomey and Paula Blair who put together a winning night. Much thanks also goes to Carol Bartlett, Karen Cassidy, and to the AEFI Executive Board of Directors (and their spouses/significant others) who did whatever they were asked to do, and to big check creator Marianne Curry! Behind the scenes are the members of the Grants Committee, and we are grateful for their commitment of time and energy: Laurie Knapp, Chair; Murray Bailey; Teresa Axten; Deborah Smith; Mary Ellen Duffy; and Barbara Knapp. Thanks to our Social Networking Team leader, Meryl Goldsmith, and photographers Ralph Noon and Carol Bartlett. We certainly would not have had a Silent Auction without Ann Gagne leading the charge, and we offer our gratitude to the following exceptional donors: Bruce Arlington; Laurie and Jay Knapp; Cathy Toomey; and Woody and Marcia Cammett.
Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious seasonal buffet dinner with an excellent beer selection. AEFI Poker continues to be a huge success as the best poker hand winner walked away with $1,000!
Thanks to everyone who came out on a Monday night – it is wonderful when doing good is so much fun!
