Kids hit catwalk for WEFE fundraiser

The West Essex Foundation for Education (WEFE) will host the senior fashion show at The Grove in Cedar Grove on May 2. 56 seniors will model clothing on loan from Lord & Taylor.

The evening’s events include a tricky tray, dinner and cocktails. The community event is a night for students, teachers, parents and administrators to support West Essex. All of the profits will go to directly to WEFE.

WEFE provides financial support for the West Essex School District’s innovative programs. The organization is nonprofit and completely parent-run.

“It is the goal of the foundation to enhance the quality of education within the West Essex Regional School district by providing financial support for innovation and improvement to help our extraordinary school,” WEFE president Michielle Kupferberg said.

The proceeds WEFE raises are used to fund grants requested by teachers and departments. Teachers can apply for grants individually or in collaboration with others.

“WEFE is truly an example of the rewards of volunteerism,” Supervisor of Social Studies and World Languages Laura Drago said. “Last year, WEFE moms Cari Moskowitz and Kim Codella, with the help of Marla Kearney and Class of 2017 seniors, wanted to plan a ‘fun’ fundraiser. Thus the WEFE Senior Fashion Show was organized and has continued to develop into a special senior activity and a very well-attended fundraiser. Last year we had over 200 in attendance and expect this year to be as successful.”

The 2017 Senior Fashion Show raised $33,000. Grants issued by WEFE in 2017 funded high school and middle school initiatives, including a Mac computer lab, a homework software program and equipment for the Lip Dub.

“We look forward to a night with great gifts to win and an amazing runway that will be a memorable event for seniors and their families and another successful fundraising event,” Ms. Drago said.

Susana Monaco, West Essex alumna and New York City fashion designer, has donated clothes for the volunteer committee to wear.

Admission is $60 for parents and $45 for teachers. For more information, visit westex.org/Domain/45.