On Friday, March 4th, Manhasset residents Laura and Paul Petras and Kim and Jon Kaiman of Great Neck were honored at Adventures in Learning’s 6th Annual Wine and Tasting Soiree at the Village Club of Sands Point. This annual fundraiser supports Adventures in Learning’s after school academic program for children in the Spinney Hill area of Manhasset and Great Neck.
Thanking Adventures for this distinctive honor, former North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman said, “Kim and I had a great time at this wonderful event, and we also congratulate Paul and Laura Petras. So many people came out to support Adventures in Learning, a true testament to an organization that does important work really making a difference in the lives of children in our community.”
Paul and Laura Petras also thanked Adventures for this special honor, stating that “we are so grateful to be honored with Kim and Jon Kaiman at this year’s event and to celebrate the support, caring and compassion this community always offers. We are truly blessed to be part of a close-knit town that comes together to enrich each other’s lives and to support each other in times of need. We appreciate Adventures in Learning’s overwhelming support and its mission in our community from all of this special evening’s recipients.”
Diana Holden, Executive Director, noted that she was very pleased to hear comments, such as “The Wine Tasting is always the best event of the year.” She continued, “The guests who attend the Wine Tasting are all such wonderful people, and they never want to miss this event because it is so different and special.”
As guests strolled leisurely through the Village Club’s elegant Mansion, they admired the magnificent décor provided by Debbie and Steve Boehl of Westhampton’s Honeysuckle and Roses. While the terrific Meade Brothers played music in the Music Room, they also enjoyed delectable wine and tastings pairing, and had to the opportunity to pose in the ultra-cool photo booth.
Adventures’ guests were highly impressed with the multi-faceted artwork by Manhasset High School’s AP art students, remarking about the students’ originality, technique and talent.
Robert Keizer, an Adventures’ Alumnus, spoke about the important academic start and support given him by Adventures. After receiving a Masters Degree in Education from Western Governors University, he was a Special Education Department Teacher’s Assistant at Manhasset’s secondary school for six and a half years where he was also Coordinator of the Middle School’s Bridge Program, an after school program based upon Adventures’ educational model. Currently, he teaches 2nd grade at PS316 in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and also coordinates their afterschool health and fitness club called KeizerFit.
Adventures’ Executive Director, Diana Holden, thanked one and all, noting the high attendance. In addition, she said that Adventures had a wonderful surprise this year receiving a matching challenge grant from anonymous donors.
“On behalf of everyone at Adventures, I thank everybody for this generosity,” she said. “As we know, raising funds is not easy, but our community’s support and dedication is invaluable. I would also like to mention that our goal-driven fundraising committee is a hardworking, dedicated, cohesive group of volunteers. They are not only exceptional, but unique, as is Adventures’ incredible staff. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you one and all. See you next year!”
Founded 46 years ago, Adventures in Learning is an after-school education and enrichment program, located at the Hagedorn Community Center at the Great Neck/Manhasset EOC building at 65 High Street, Manhasset, dedicated to improving the lives of children in Manhasset and Great Neck in need of after school care and instruction.
For further information, contact:
Diana Holden: 516-318-1345 or Eleanor Lange: 516-627-1818