News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 19, 2008
Making a Difference One Child at a Time
The Calais Foundation holds annual gala to benefit students
PRINCETON, N.J.—Despite being diagnosed with severe learning disabilities at a young age, Danielle attended school like the other kids. But the years of feeling different from other students were taking their toll, and she had become increasingly withdrawn. It was often impossible for her to leave the security of her darkened bedroom for school. Then she was enrolled by her school district in The Calais School, a K-12 private school in Whippany, N.J., for students with special needs. With new friends having similar problems, Danielle began to emerge from her protective shell. She helped other students and served as a Student Ambassador at the first Renaissance Gala of The Calais Foundation. When she graduated from Calais, other graduates cited her as a great influence on their lives.
"If it wasn't for my great experience at The Calais School, I wouldn't be the person I am today," Danielle said in her graduation speech. Now she is living her dream of attending cosmetology school.
It is young people like Danielle that The Calais Foundation is dedicated to supporting through its enrichment and academic programs. A non-profit charity, the foundation is funded by events like the annual Renaissance Gala taking place on Thursday, October 16 at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park. Funds raised provide direct and indirect support for special programs at The Calais School and other non-profits throughout New Jersey serving the learning challenged community.
This year, The Calais Foundation will honor Princeton-based architectural design firm KSS Architects LLP with its "Making a Difference Award." KSS designed the 2007 renovation and expansion of the 100-year-old school building that houses The Calais School and has provided construction management, fundraising and marketing support.
Michael Shatken, AIA, KSS' partner-in-charge for The Calais School renovation, said the firm was honored by the recognition.
"Teaching and encouraging a student with special needs to become a positive contributor to society is a remarkable achievement, and The Calais School achieves for countless young people," he said. "KSS Architects is proud to be associated with The Calais Foundation and to be receiving the 'Making a Difference Award.'"
The Calais Foundation will also honor Alfred Tagliabue with its "Leitner Excellence in Education Award" at the gala.
Charles McClafferty, the president of the foundation, said the evening will include a series of fun and inspiring events. Student Ambassadors, award presentations, and a silent auction of donated items will all add to the festivities. This year's auction will feature movie-night themed gifts, sporting goods, and a weekend on Shell Island with a personal sailing adventure with Captain Mike.
"The auction serves as a great conversation starter for guests," McClafferty said. "We have something for everyone."
In its inaugural year, the 2007 gala raised more than $100,000, to fund a number of programs in visual and performing arts and athletics for lower, middle, and high school students. The foundation also purchased the School’s first SmartBoard (in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline) for its Science Lab, acquired Dance, Dance Revolution equipment, and hosted regional seminars for special education educators and administrators.
The Foundation hopes this year's gala will help raise funds for its long list of goals, including fitting out The Calais School's Science and Library/Media Centers, and augmenting transitional programs for high school graduates, the majority of whom continue their education and become responsible, productive members of their communities. Many students continue to achieve remarkable success. Some have advanced degrees and one is even a teacher at The Calais School.
These uplifting accounts demonstrate how young people with all kinds of abilities can achieve success if someone is willing to give them a helping hand.
The Calais Foundation's 2008 Renaissance Gala will take place at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, N.J., on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jack Clark at (973) 884-2030.
About The Calais Foundation
The Calais Foundation is a non-profit corporation and charity registered with the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey. It strives to help children with learning and behavioral problems overcome their challenges and lead responsible, productive lives. It is supported by foundations, the business community, families and individuals. For more information, visit www.calaisfoundation.org.
About The Calais School
The Calais School is a private, non-profit K-12 school for students with special needs. With limited class sizes and a large support staff including teachers, counselors and therapists, The Calais School provides a safe, nurturing and academically challenging environment for young people from 10 counties and 90 school districts in northern New Jersey. For more information, visit www.thecalaisschool.org.
About KSS Architects LLP
Founded in 1983, KSS Architects LLP specializes in the design of educational institutions, government facilities, industrial spaces, and corporate interiors. KSS Architects is committed to sound project management and superior design execution. The award-winning firm has offices in Princeton, N.J., and Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.kssarchitects.com.
Media Contact
Wanda Lau, Communications Manager, KSS Architects LLP
609.921.1131 / wLau@KSSArchitects.com