Winkler helps private school raise $150,000

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Henry Winkler speaks to the crowd at the fundraising event in East Brunswick.

EAST BRUNSWICK - Described as one of the most successful fundraising events in the history of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Raritan Valley, the recent "An Evening With Henry Winkler" generated more than $150,000 in donations for the school.

"We are delighted with the outcome of this major fundraising event," said Mickey Kaufman, president of the private, K-8 day school. "This is our big event for the year. It exceeded our expectations and we are thankful for the outpouring of support from the community."

Held at the East Brunswick Jewish Center, the fundraiser featured the well-known actor, producer, director and best-selling children's author. Winkler shared his story of struggle and triumph. Despite dyslexia, Winkler was able to achieve great professional and personal success. Punctuating his anecdotes with humor, he spoke about his television and Hollywood careers, education and commitment to Judaism.

The fundraiser received a surprise boost of $12,000 from the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County, based in South River, according to a press release from Jaffe Communica-tions.

Gerrie Bamira, executive director of the Jewish federation, said the donation was in honor of the faculty and staff of the school "who inspire our children each and every day.

"The Middlesex federation applauds them and hopes this special grant is used to fulfill our collective commitment to excellence in Jewish education," he said.

The school was also able to raise $3,000 from a silent auction, with sports memorabilia signed by Jason Kidd and Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets.

"Such a successful event truly helps us bridge the gap between tuition and expenses," said Will Schafer, vice president of fundraising for the school. "The generous contributions we received helped make this event a great success. It helps us continue to provide and improve upon the superior education our students receive."

The school uses fundraising to bridge the gap between the costs of operating the school and tuition revenues.

Donations are still being accepted. For more information, contact Schafer at (908) 420-3313.