GRANTS
T A B L E O F C
Back to Business
WelcometotheinauguralissueofourSHEFmagazine!
We’rethrilledtoreintroducetheSomersetHillsEducation Foundationandsharetheexcitingwayswe’resupportingour schools,students,andcommunity.Afterseveralyearsof inactivity,SHEFisbackwitharenewedfoicusonproviding resourcesandinitiativesthatenhancetheeducational experienceandfostercharacterdevelopmentforeverystudent inourdistrict.
Thankstothededicationofourcommunity—generousdonors, passionatevolunteers,andengagedfamilies—we’relaunching into this new chapter with vibrant fundraisers like Tweeds & Feathers and the Holiday Pet Parade. These events not only bring us together in support of our school,s but also help fuel grants for innovative programs across the district. From STEM initiatives and arts enrichment to character-building workshops and inspirational guest speakers, our grants enable experiences that inspire curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to community.
ThankYou,Olga!
Our Mission
The mission of SHEF is to promote and provide educational opportunities through innovative programs and projects that benefit the students of the Somerset Hills School District.
Our Role
Promote academic excellence
Support school and community partnerships
Cultivate an inclusive Somerset Hills community
Our Impact
Over $1 milion donated since 1996
Over 100 partnerships with volunteers and sponsors
280 classroom grants funded
We encourage our students to stand on their toes and reach for the stars...
Who We Are
Olga Christie Chair
Ruth Mellilo Fundraising & Events
Tali Ben-Shimon Education & Arts Analyst
Kimberly Black Treasurer
Kathy Tober Grants Coordinator
Trish Cuddy Governance & HR
Jennifer Adams Marketing & PR
What We Do
Provide a platform for community engagement and the equitable solutions to improve student outcomes
Facilitate student development by complimenting core curriculum education
Establish life long learning practices by supplementing crosscurricular education
Support student success by fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment and promoting a positive teacher culture
Grants
Artwork created with new art printer
Engineers teaching algebra program
Sansu Math Manipulatives
Go Noodle Program
VEX Robot Kits
Donate
Your support enables students to:
✔ Develop interpersonal skills and character
✔ Explore cross-curricular learning opportunities
✔ Access quality education
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Does your employer offer to match donations you make to nonprofits? Select SHEF as your recipient or ask your employer to include us in their list of eligible programs.
Mail a check to: SHEF 25 Olcott Avenue Bernardsville, NJ 07924
IN-KIND DONATIONS
If you're interested in making a donation that is unique and unconventional, we're open to exploring in-kind donations. Whether it's goods, services, or other non-monetary contributions, we're flexible and eager to work with you to support our cause.
GET SOCIAL: HOST A FUNDRAISER
Invite your friends and neighbors to a small group gathering and weigh in on important matters in the SHSD. Ask SHEF how YOU can make a difference! Email us at shefnj@gmail.com. shefnj.org/ donate-to-shef Going online:
Our Fundraisers
This festive event celebrates our community’s beloved pets. Highlights of the event include adorable puppies-in-training from the Seeing Eye Puppy Club, a photo booth created by students from the Bernards High School Workshop, and live holiday jazz performed by the Bernards High School Jazz Band. Registration is $25 per pet, which includes parade entry and a photo booth picture to remember the day.
Tweeds & Feathers is our signature fundraising event, held annually to support programs in the Somerset Hills School District. This elegant evening features a prehunt themed celebration, including live music, a silent auction, and more. Attendees don their best tweed and feathered attire, coming together to enjoy the festivities while making a meaningful impact on local education initiatives.
Our Annual Campaign is a yearly fundraising effort dedicated to supporting innovative District. Contributions to the campaign provide essential funding for character education, teacher grants, and student enrichment initiatives, helping to foster a thriving, supportive learning environment for all students. Every donation makes a lasting impact on our schools and community.
Testimonials
“Also special thanks to those who give you funding. It warms my heart to know you can have acting talent event with a disability. I hope you can continue to have cool performances.”
BERNARDSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL National Theater for the Deaf Assembly
STUDENT
Engineers Teaching WAlgebraorkshop
Believe to Achieve with Eric LeGrand Program
“The workshop was great because it was the first time I was able to experience a true engineering problem The engineering workshop was enlightening and opened my eyes to the importance and applications of math in everyday life ”
STUDENT
BERNARDSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Textbooks on Native American Culture
“Eric LeGrand's speech was a like a rift in the clouds that allowed all the BMS students to see that there can be hope through an enormous detriment It allowed all the students to have a different outlook on life and to be able to be thankful for what we have and appreciate others around us ”
STUDENT
BERNARDSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
“The books helped us learn what life was like for Native Americans. I loved them!”
STUDENT
BERNARDSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Learning Anatomy Through Yoga
“The first yoga class was very well received by the students. The instructors used lots of anatomical terminology to describe positions and muscle groups so it was exciting to hear the students brag to each other that they understood what those terms meant.”
TEACHER
BERNARDSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL