PARSIPPANY — Residents of Parsippany opened their hearts and their pocket books for schools devastated by the recent hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico at the teacher talent show on November 2. Four storm-stricken schools will share upwards of $4,000 received by the Parsippany-Troy Hills Education Association (PTHEA) which organized the event in tandem with the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The money will go entirely and directly to help the schools as they face severe shortages, damage and loss.
In exchange for their donations, the public was treated to a variety of performances by teachers, principals, supervisors and support staff ranging from bands, quartets, duets and soloists to mind readers, magicians and comedy acts.
According to PTHEA Vice President Jay Duhl, the total take exceeded all expectations. “We were thrilled to see that we filled the house” said Duhl, referring to the Parsippany High School auditorium. “We are so very proud to be a part of such a caring community.” Duhl went on to say that collaboration with the School District was a key factor in the event’s success. “We had the president of the Teachers’ Association, the superintendent of schools and a Board of Education member greeting the public and selling tickets. It was truly a joint venture in every way.” Behind the scenes, volunteers from across the District served as stage hands, ushers, food service assistants and more.
Checks for approximately $1,000 each have been sent to Marathon Middle/High School in Marathon Key, FL; Thompson Intermediate School in Houston, TX; José Rojas Cortés School in Orocovis, PR and a school in Galveston, TX.