Rumson, Fair Haven, Sea Bright

May 01, 2017

Rumson Education Foundation Hosts Largest “Dance with Your Darlings” Event

On March 24, the Rumson Education Foundation (REF) hosted over 500 guests for its annual “Dance With Your Darlings” fundraiser event to benefit the Rumson School District and the REF’s Innovation Classroom Initiative. The lobby and gymnasium of Forrestdale School were transformed into a floral fantasy of springtime splendor, thanks to Mia Choate of MVC Designs and the Forrestdale Art Club, with handcrafted, whimsical oversized 3-D flowers adorning the space. Upon arrival, darling guests from the Deane-Porter and Forrestdale Schools were treated to a piano serenade by eighth grade musical phenome Hayden Marciszewski and given corsages to match their party dresses. The guests enjoyed a DJ dance party, candid photo booths, a delicious array of treats donated by school parents, a professional photo op for each darling and her date, and a chance to win one of two super-sized raffle prize baskets. As the darlings danced under the strobe lights, volunteers from Forrestdale Middle School and RFH High School’s Key Club kept the event running smoothly, serving food and drinks to the little dancers and their loved ones. The evening culminated with the announcement of the raffle winners.

The evening’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of Invitation Sponsor, DanceFree dance studio of Red Bank, and Whole Foods of Middletown. The REF also thanks portrait photographers Marnie Doherty, Emily Billington, and Meredith Miller for lending their time and talents.

REF president and event co-chair Mary Pat Moriarty commented, “The REF’s Dance With Your Darling is a cherished event that was established in 2009 by former REF Board Director Steve Frankel. We are delighted to continue its tradition for our Rumson School District families.” REF treasurer and fellow co-chair Bettina Crux-Snodgrass added, “Seeing the happy faces of the little belles as they arrive with their doting escorts is priceless!”