The Newtown Education Foundation (NEF) has scheduled a cocktail party for Tuesday, May 3, to introduce community members to the foundation and ways to get involved with it, according to two board members.newtowneducationfoundation.org/new-products/cocktail-party, and more information about NEF or the party is available by emailing newtowneducationfoundation@gmail.com.

The cocktail party will be held at Dere Street Restaurant, 33 Main Street, starting at 6 pm. Tickets for the event are limited and are $50. The party is also serving as a fundraiser for NEF.

NEF board member and secretary Jackie McKendry said the event will share how community members can help NEF by offering internships or job shadowing opportunities for local students,, being a guest speaker at local schools, and more.

Ms McKendry said a welcome speech will be held at the event to introduce attendees to NEF, raffles will be offered, and the event will offer networking opportunities with NEF members and community members.

"I think they should come to [the event] so they can realize how different we are from all the other organizations in Newtown and what our mission is," said Ms McKendry.

NEF's mission is to enhance the learning experience for Newtown students by promoting innovation and creativity through collaboration with the community, according to the foundation.

Since she began her time with NEF, Ms McKendry, who is a teacher in New York and a Newtown parent, said she has witnessed all of the things NEF can do for students and teachers in town.

"I think it is really great," said Ms McKendry. "I get motivated every time I go to a meeting, and I am just amazed at all the creativity that is on the board and the potential for opportunities that the students in Newtown could have."

Board member and co-founder Casey Ragan also said the cocktail party will offer community members ideas to help support NEF, along with raising funds.

"We think there is a role for everybody in the community to get involved with the NEF," said Ms Ragan.

As one of the co-founders, Ms Ragan said she is excited to see everything coming together for the kick-off event, and said she is excited to see connections with community members being made.

"You can be involved in so many different ways," said Ms Ragan.

Tickets are available online at

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