PARSIPPANY — Educators from across the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District will leave their classrooms and offices for the stage as they showcase their talents in a benefit performance for the victims of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
An elementary school principal playing solo on the clarinet, a high school English teacher reading minds and a Social Studies supervisor as part of a folk duo are just a few of the nearly two dozen acts on the program on Thursday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Parsippany High School auditorium.
The event, billed as “Ovations for Relief,” is a collaboration between the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District. The idea was born when elementary school music teacher James Caulfield looked for ways to aid the victims as well as the devastated schools. “I saw all the destruction in the areas hit by the hurricanes and I thought that we could surely help,” said Caulfield, who will perform a Carole King number with his family. “I knew that we had all kinds of hidden talents among our faculty and staff, and so I reached out to them and to the superintendent to see if we could all come together to support a hard-hit school in each affected area.”
“Schools helping schools” has been the motto of Caulfield’s drive, which has since inspired a host of his colleagues to join him on stage for a two-hour variety show. He has also taken on the role of director, coordinating the various acts and the technical support needed to produce the program. Caulfield’s professional music colleagues will open the show followed by an array of teachers, administrators and support staff, many of whom have never performed in public.
One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will be sent to the recipient schools. Additionally, they will receive letters of hope and encouragement from elementary school students from throughout the District.
Admission to the event is $15.00 advance purchase through October 30 or $20.00 at the door and $10.00 for children. Tickets may be purchased at any Parsippany-Troy Hills public school main office. A complimentary light pre-show buffet will be offered beginning at 6:30 p.m.
