Past Galas

2010 Gala

On March 25, 2010 the ACES Education Foundation celebrated its seventh annual fundraising gala. This event recognized the positive contributions of state legislators and involved ACES families. Their dedication was pivotal to maintaining funding for ACES magnet schools in a difficult economic climate. Families and legislators were recognized for their efforts on behalf of ACES schools and honored by being presented with “keys” to the agency. The ACES Education Foundation raised nearly $20,000 for its grant program and strengthened its bonds with key community constituencies.

2009 Fundraising Event

On April 2, 2009, the ACES Education Foundation held its sixth annual fundraising event and helped ACES celebrate its 40th year of service to school districts. Peter Young, former ACES Executive Director, shared stories of ACES in its early stages of development. He joined former ACES Executive Director Cheryl Saloom and current ACES Executive Director Craig W. Edmondson in cutting a cake to mark the occasion. Over 180 guests enjoyed refreshments, silent auction and raffles as they commemorated ACES an innovator in education for 40 years and raised approximately $20,000 for the Foundation’s grants program. See photos here.

2008 Gala

On March 27, 2008, the ACES Education Foundation held its fifth annual gala. This event honored the work of outstanding ACES program alumni and of community leaders. David Clark, Katrina Ceballos, and Lauren Ambrose were among those recognized for their achievements. Dorsey Kendrick, President of Gateway Community College gave the keynote speech and encouraged attendees to believe in themselves and work for positive change. The 2008 gala attracted over 200 guests, and live and silent auctions helped the Foundation raise over $35,000 in support of ACES programs. The success of the event contributed to the ACES Education Foundation’s ability to award $56,869 in recent grants to ACES schools and programs in spring 2008.

2007 Gala

On March 21, 2007 the fourth annual ACES Education Foundation Fundraising Gala was held at ACES Educational Center for the Arts. The theme for this year was Science Education: Engineering Tomorrow, and guest speaker Ted Sergi, President of the Connecticut Science Center, challenged those present to become active in encouraging more people, of all ages, to increase their involvement in scientific inquiry and education. He reported the growing need for the U.S. to produce more scientists and engineers, especially women, if we are to maintain our place in the increasingly competitive global economy. The ACES ECA Jazz Ensemble and Circus/Street Performers entertained attendees. The silent auction, individual and corporate contributions helped to raise over $26,000 for the Foundation.

2006 Gala

"The Arts in Education" was the theme of the ACES Education Foundation Third Annual Gala. Bitsie Clark—New Haven Alderman, Former Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, and early champion of efforts to organize the ACES Education Foundation—was the keynote speaker. She provided valuable insights gleaned from her long career in the arts. The ECA Jazz Ensemble played again, this time supported by the ECA String Ensemble and The Offbeats, a drumming group from Northeast Connecticut. An ECA street theatre group donned animal costumes and performed on stilts to wow the crowd. The 2006 Gala raised funds for both ACES programs and the ongoing ECA Little Theatre Campaign. Over $25,000 was raised through a combination of individual registrations, corporate sponsorships, donations from New Haven organizations, and a silent auction of fine foods, books, vacation packages, and other luxurious items.

2005 Gala

"Early Childhood Education" was the theme of the ACES Education Foundation Second Annual Gala. Speaker Janice Gruendel, Ph.D., The Governor’s Senior Advisor for Early Childhood, discussed the state of care for the very young in Connecticut and ACES contribution to the field of early childhood education. In keeping with the evening’s subject, the menu included offerings such as gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and smoked salmon and chevre “lollipops.” Once again, ECA’s Jazz Ensemble entertained attendees. Corporate sponsors and a silent auction of books and several other donated items helped the event secure over $20,000 to be used to support various ACES programs.

2004 Gala

The ACES Education Foundation First Annual Gala launched a tradition of successful fundraising events. The theme of the evening, "Strong and Effective Municipal and Educational Partnerships," was reinforced by speakers and event honorees John DeStefano, Jr., New Haven’s Mayor, and Dr. Reginald Mayo, New Haven Superintendent and Connecticut Superintendent of the Year.

Cheryl Saloom, Ed.D., then Executive Director of ACES and Foundation President, stated that she was proud to honor their “effective partnership … that has had such a profound effect on New Haven students and on the educational landscape in our region.” ECA’s Small Jazz Ensemble provided entertainment, and a silent book auction featuring Connecticut author signed works such Steven Carter’s The Emperor of Ocean Park raised funds to support ACES education programs. More than $10,000 was raised at the event.