Adventures in Learning, the afterschool academic and enrichment program for underserved Manhasset and Great Neck students, celebrated its first in-person Annual Wine Tastings Soirée since the pandemic on April 20th at Manhasset Bay Yacht Club. During the previous two years, the Soirée was held virtually. And what a celebration this fundraiser was! A jam-packed crowd at Manhasset Bay hugged, danced and dined to the music of DJ Liquid Todd amongst exquisite floral décor. Guests were clearly thrilled to be reunited with old friends and to take part once again in this always beautiful annual fundraiser for Adventures. Donors gave very generously to the popular Silent Auction and Kash for Kids raffle.
The turnout was incredible. To demonstrate their love and caring for Adventures, supporters were very sensitive to the pandemic experience, knowing the needs firsthand of the students and their families at that critical time. Adventures’ donors and supporters always step up to the plate in a time of need to help.
This year’s honorees were longtime volunteers and enthusiasts Regina and Gene Papa of Manhasset. In addition, Dr. Dean Schlanger, retiring Manhasset Secondary School Principal, was also saluted. They were all thanked for their service to Adventures by Executive Director, Diana Holden.
Yannique Shaw, a very elegant graduate of Adventures, spoke to the crowd. They were absolutely awed by her oration and beauty. She recollected her early years at Adventures, most particularly emphasizing the basic learning skills that she was taught where she also noted Adventure’s emphasis on study skills and more. She noted that the mentoring and tutoring programs were a turning point in her life. Today she is a college graduate in a Master’s healthcare program at NYU Wagner. She said that “as a healthcare leader, my desire is to help manage the healthcare disparities in our communities.” She continued by saying, “Adventures in Learning has helped underserved families for many years and the organization’s continued success is made possible because of individuals like so many of you in the room this evening.”
Director Holden noted that “it was “it was heartwarming to see everyone gather once again at the in-person Soirée to support Adventures in Learning. It was a long two-year wait, but what a celebration tonight!”
Founded over 52 years ago by the Congregational Church in Manhasset, Adventures in Learning is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It is an after-school education and enrichment program, located in the Hagedorn Community Center at the Manhasset/Great Neck EOC building at 65 High Street, Manhasset, dedicated to improving the lives of children in Manhasset and Great Neck in need of after school care and instruction.
