P.S. 185’s Mardi Gras Fundraiser a smashing success

There was partying for a good cause on March 21 as P.S. 185 hosted its Mardi Gras Fundraiser celebration at the Dyker Beach Golf Course.

“The event went better than expected and we exceeded our fundraising goal,” said Stefania Vasquenz, the co-president of the PTA, who won a $20 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods. “We were overwhelmed by the tremendous support from not only parents, but the staff at P.S. 185, local businesses, local politicians and even some alumni came to the gala to support us.”

Guests, some of whom also donned festive purple, green and yellow Mardi Gras masks, enjoyed cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. The night also included a raffle with over 50 prizes, such as purses, tickets to sporting events, electronics, gift cards and gift baskets. Entry to the event was $75 per person and helped raise funds for the school.

In addition to the festivities, Bay Ridge artist and mother Angela Gorini Perrone created the Upcycled Rainbow Crayon program, in which students at P.S. 185 donated old or broken crayons to the school. Perrone then took the sizable crayon donation and turned it into colorful shapes and pieces of art for the children. They were on display at the celebration and brought to the children. “I did not attend the event, but I heard the crayons were a smashing success,” said Perrone.

Vasquenz was thankful of the neighborhood’s contribution. “We cannot express how grateful we are to our wonderful Bay Ridge community,” she said.