In ski hats and snow goggles, Rye City School District parents, teachers, and administrators took the icy weather in stride and partied to support public education. An Après Ski themed evening to benefit the Rye Middle School and Rye High School Parents’ Organizations drew an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred to Coveleigh Club on Friday, January 19th. 

“Community support is so important for events like these. The RHS/RMS Parents’ Organizations receive more than 90 percent of their annual budgets from this event,” said  Daniela Kehoe, RMS PO co-president. “It was so incredible how the whole Rye community –  local businesses, parents, the schools –  chipped in to make this fundraiser a success.” 

The new funding will provide substantial gifts for science classroom upgrades, hallway improvements, student scholarships, and teacher and staff appreciation for 2024, according to the POs. While final donations were still being tallied, event co-chair Staci Ramachandran confirmed the night’s proceeds exceeded the committee’s target of $160,000. A total of 375 tickets were sold in advance and more than 40 local businesses sponsored the party. The RHS Jazz Ensemble provided lively entertainment.

In addition to dining on comfort food and dancing, bidding was fast and furious in the online Silent Auction of close to 140 lots donated by community members. Some of the most sought-after lots included: four US Open court side seats plus VIP parking, golf for four at San Francisco’s Olympic Club, and a concierge full-body cancer and cardiovascular screening. Also popular were parties hosted by locals, featuring tarot card readings, cake decorating, and sunset yoga, and a private book club with Rye author Annabel Monaghan.