Red Bank Borough Education Foundation 76 Branch Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701

732-758-0636 or 732-758-1500 x 3101 info@rbbef.org

Press Release - Their Dreams, Our Mission: RBRHS Students Support RBPS Students

May 24, 2011

Contact: Kathleen Panepinto

732-224-1267; kpanepinto@comcast.net

“It does ‘take a village’ to realize some dreams” quipped fine art dealer and Red Bank Borough Education Foundation vice-president Susan Berke when she accepted nine framed art photographs from photography students of Red Bank Regional High School to offer as auction items at the upcoming Swimming River Discoveries Art Gala II to be held Friday evening, June 10^th at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor on Riverside Ave in Red Bank.

When the students in Dawn Lisko’s Commercial Photography class heard via RB Board of Education President, Ann Roseman, about the Swimming River Discoveries Art Gala II, an art “auction” fundraiser to adapt the seventeen wetland acres surrounding the Red Bank Primary School for outdoor learning centers, they were eager to donate some of their own work to the cause. “How fantastic that the older students are willing to help the younger ones,” remarked Councilman and RBBEF Treasurer, Ed Zipprich.

Fittingly, many of their photography subjects are scenes from nature. They include abstract and representational designs and even some digitally altered designs. Students who donated their work are Gab Visciano, Noemi Valdetano, Molly Gerth, Thomas Suszka, Alexandra Gorrey, Deanna Bochicchio, Mikaila Bennan, Calli Dobrzynski, and Rebecka Zabilowicz.

The June 10^th Art Gala II is an opportunity for every ticket holder to select one of the more than 100 art pieces accumulated. Berke says there are “some wonderful pieces of pottery, and metal sculptures along with the prints, photographs, and paintings. And every one is worth at least as much as the ticket price – many are worth much more. The local artistic community has been incredibly generous with their donations this year.”

At Art Gala II every comer will select a piece of art. The fun twist is that their order in the selection queue is assigned by lottery. The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, a Springpoint Senior Living Community, is donating their River Room with patio overlooking the beautiful Navesink River as well as the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. They offer valet parking on site.

“With the proceeds from Art Gala II “, says RBBEF President, Marybeth Maida, “we should soon be able to realize step one of the many SRD objectives: creating access to the bigger of the two ponds on the school grounds and constructing additional outdoor classrooms.”

RBBEF is currently soliciting engineering studies and permitting requirements for a walkway to and around the pond from an outdoor terrace with table. Red Bank School Superintendent, Dr. Laura Morana has been working with agencies like the Meadowlands Consortium to develop curricula focused on the pond environment.

Anyone interested in attending Art Gala II should contact Susan Berke Art soon since only 110 people can be accommodated. 732-842-9007or online at www.rbbef.org . Tickets are $125/person.

Photograph of Beach Scene by RBRHS student Gab Visciano to be auctioned at Swimming River Discoveries Art Gala II, Friday, June 10^th at the Atrium at Navesink Harbor, 40 Riverside Ave, Red Bank.