White Lights/Black Tie gala only a week away

Vernon — The Vernon Education Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser, the White Lights/Black Tie Charity Gala, on Saturday, March 28 in the Emerald Ballroom at Crystal Springs. Individual tickets have been held at last year’s price of $100 for the four-course dinner, dancing and a four-hour open bar. In addition the evening will include the opportunity to bid on thousands of dollars of silent auction items donated by local businesses and residents ranging from gift baskets and home services to golf, ski and spa passes, as well as a full vacation week at a choice of resorts. Tickets are still available. Call 973-764-2900 ext. 4365 or 973-764-7555. The evening begins with music performed by the Vernon High School Chamber Orchestra, is followed by DJ Jim Hill and capped by local band Full Plate. Area businesses financially underwrite the event. Sponsors include: gold sponsor Jim Lombardo of Prudential Insurance & Financial Services, who returns at the same level. Lombardo and his support staff have moved next door and are now located under one roof with fellow charter gold sponsor Prudential Highlands Realty. They are located in the historic Sea Captain’s House just south of the Route 94/515 traffic light. Highlands State Bank is another charter gold sponsor repeating for 2009. Highlands State Bank has recently merged with Noble Community Bank. Other charter gold sponsors include TM Brennan Contractors, HRH and AXA Equitable/Jim Hughes-Bob Waldron. Silver sponsors include Langan Engineering, Boz Electric and Baldwin Transportation. Bronze sponsors include Mountain Creek Resort, Camel Back Ski Area, Elements Spa, Heaven Hill Farms, Ecotect Scientific Pest Control and Newton Memorial Hospital. Organizers point out that the current economy has made these corporate contributions even more appreciated this year. This year’s event honors superintendent Anthony Macerino, who is retiring after 31 years in the school district. Each of the prior two galas have raised more than $15,000 for the Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that aids the district. Recent VEF grants include support of the high school Robotics Team as they seek to defend their title as last year’s first-place winner in international competition. Betty Brite Cleaners in Vernon and Sussex A&P are offering special event tux rental pricing for men attending the gala. Call them at 973-875-6165 for details.