Over 400 came to the SCEF event

What an evening for a party!

  Not too sunny, a little breeze from the bay. And a lot of tempting auction items, like the artwork done by 12th-grade student Alana Cornacchiulo, along with many others, including a lacework wall mirror by David Ebner, a ceramic chess set, and a winsome mixed-media work from John Coakley’s estate.

  The 28th annual South Country Education Foundation Cocktail Party & Auction, hosted by Chantal and Dr. Richard Berman at their Academy Lane waterfront home, was the glam backdrop for over 400 guests who crossed the lawn to catch up and toast the SCEF for their work raising grant money.

  Grants chosen enhance students’ lives with trips and collaborations tied into their curriculum. That includes the Long Island Aquarium and Center for Environmental Education & Discovery, theater performances and pertinent talks.

  No doubt board members, SCEF president Andrea Fassett and vice president Suzette Emma-Uzzi were reviewing lists in their heads and organizing days before and early the day of with their colleagues creating a flawless event.

  But South Country students were at the ready, too. It was the fourth time helping for senior Arianna Barrett, the first for Evan Peters entering senior year. Barrett had already helped set up 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. that day.

  Barrett and Peters were among at least two-dozen students who emerged from the Berman home, politely approaching guests with food trays, then back in again for refills. Food and drink were plentiful. Donna Lee Maida Feltman of That ‘70s Band performed songs with her incredible voice, including “The Prayer,” an absolute heartstopper.

  By the end of the evening, the unofficial tally was 340 prepaid—over 425 who attended.