Friends and supporters of the Waldorf School of Garden City gathered at Jonathan’s Restaurant in New Hyde Park on Thursday, October 2nd for the School’s annual Benefactors Reception.

Hosted by alumni parents and owners of Jonathan’s Restaurant John and Katina Mavrikis, the event was an opportunity for the School’s Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff to thank members of the community for their generous leadership support of the 2013-2014 Annual Fund. Guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres along with reflections and comments by Waldorf’s Board Chair Mr. Jay Dorman as well as the School’s Director of Development Mrs. Marjorie P. Jean-Paul.

In his remarks, Mr. Dorman thanked the gathering of nearly 50 people. “My wife and I first came to Waldorf 33 years ago when we enrolled our eldest daughter in nursery. She graduated in 1995, followed by our son who graduated in 1999 and then our youngest daughter in 2005. We feel such a sense of gratitude towards the School for who our children have become and for what the School has given to them. It is that gratitude that compels us to volunteer – it compels my wife to volunteer in the cafeteria and it compels me and others to serve on the Board of Trustees. I want to thank all of you in every way you give to the School; allowing the School to achieve its mission of educating children to meet the world with purpose, gratitude and respect. I hope that in the years to come, we can continue to thank you for your generosity and for your kindness of spirit.”

Said Mrs. Jean-Paul, “Every year, we ask for the support of our extended community in contributing to the Annual Fund. The Annual Fund provides for the basic operations of our School – it helps to keep the lights on and the heat going. Thanks to the generosity of the School’s extended community, last year over 700 people gave to the Annual Fund as well as other projects for the School.”

Mrs. Jean-Paul also highlighted the School’s upcoming Golf Outing on Monday, June 15th, 2015 at the Garden City Country Club. “I invite all golfers to attend our golf outing. I also invite all non-golfers to attend our dinner. This event will support some of the Waldorf’s long term goals by building the School’s Scholarship and Endowment Fund; thus sustaining the School beyond today and well into the future.” Former Board Chair Bill Jennings will serve as the event’s honorary chair. Co-Chairing the event will be Daryl Smalls and Chiara Sugrue who also serve on Waldorf’s Alumni Parent Association.

Mrs. Jean-Paul thanked everyone “for everything you do – especially to all the volunteers who provide assistance in these initiatives. On behalf of our School, and especially on behalf of the children, I just want to say thank you!”

At the end of the evening, guests received the newest issue of The Waldorf Magazine, as well as a Waldorf tote bag and packet of greeting cards that were decorated by Waldorf students. Central to the Waldorf curriculum, students actively work in the arts creatively and imaginatively as a way to activate, clarify and strengthen their academic lessons. At the end of the event, many guests remarked their delight upon receiving a gift so unique and closely tied to the School’s students and curriculum.