Virtual Benefit 2021 Journal

Revealing Brilliance

VIRTUAL BENEFIT 2021

BE THE

LIGHT JOURNAL

Benefit Sponsors 2021

Benefit Committee 2021

ILLUMINATION The Feinberg Tobin Family Sarah Stasny and John Ewald

Nancy Feinberg, Clerk

RADIANCE Felice and Darrell Friedman Morris and Jules Levine Family Foundation Law Offices of Regina Skyer & Associates, LLP BRILLIANCE Archstone Builders LLC Larry and Vicki Botel Beth Ann Day and Ben Rinzler Daniel Freelander and Elyse Frishman Lynn Gernert Lisa and Alan Sinsheimer Debbie Zlotowitz and Rick Greenberg

Vicki Botel Daniel Freelander Felice Friedman Joan Giambusso Holly Kilpatrick Annie Levine Sandy Lippmann Sherie Reiter Anne Resnik Emily Russo Shawn Wilson

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

From the Head of School Welcome to our virtual Benefit 2021!

Even though we are not together in person, I know you will enjoy this wonderful evening of entertainment, inspiration, and celebration. The theme of this year’s benefit is Be The Light.

Tonight, we celebrate our brilliant students, our wonderful families, our exceptional and dedicated faculty and staff, our stalwart board of trustees, and all the friends and supporters who make up the MMFS community. We are especially excited to celebrate Ginny Perrin, our Director of Operations and Outreach, for her 28 years of extraordinary (and eclectic!) service to the school. We will honor her with the Violet Longobardi Award.

The success of this annual event, which raises critical funds for MMFS programs, depends on supporters like you. Whether you support tonight’s event with a contribution, a purchase from the Giving Garden, a journal ad, a virtual shout out, or your voice as part of the MMFS Community Chorus, you are helping to sustain MMFS so we can continue to provide the excellent educational experience that our students deserve. The community will benefit from the acquisition of new technology, increased financial aid to families experiencing economic hardship, professional development opportunities, modifications to our buildings for health and safety, and so much more.

I am grateful to the many staff members in many departments who put this evening together, but special thanks are due to Sadia Mehmood, Amara Green, Orla Dunstan, and Bernie McCormick. And I am thankful for the members of the Benefit Committee who generously gave their time, energy, and wisdom to make this evening a success. Thank you Nancy Feinberg (Clerk), Vicki Botel, Daniel Freelander, Felice Friedman, Joan Giambusso, Holly Kilpatrick, Annie Levine, Sandy Lippmman, Sherie Reiter, Anne Resnik, Emily Russo, and Shawn Wilson.

To everyone who is watching this special evening and to everyone who is supporting MMFS tonight, thank you for being the light. Enjoy!

In Friendship,

Debbie Zlotowitz Head of School 1

Program for the Evening

Violet Longobardi Award

Welcome Andrea Davis Pinkney, Host, MMFS Trustee, Alumni Parent, and Bestselling Author

The Violet Longobardi Award recognizes extraordinary dedication and commitment to the ongoing success and growth of Mary McDowell Friends School. The award is named for Violet Longobardi, a beloved and longtime member of Brooklyn Monthly Meeting, Religious Society of Friends, and a founding member of Mary McDowell Friends School.

Remarks Debbie Zlotowitz, Head of School Daniel Freelander, Clerk of the Board Theater Selection Box, by Lindsay Price performed by MMFS Middle School Students Giving Garden Silent Auction Student speakers Remarks by Nkechi Igwe, Class of 2025 Remarks by Abe Shire, Class of 2022 “The Hill I Climb” by Amanda Gorman, recited by Avery Anderson, Class of 2022 Violet Longobardi Award introductions Larry Botel, MMFS Trustee and Parent Nancy Feinberg, MMFS Trustee and Alumni Parent Debbie Zlotowitz Award presentation Debbie Zlotowitz Beth Schneider, Associate Head of School Violet Longobardi Award Honoree Ginny Perrin, MMFS Director of Operations and Outreach MMFS Community Singalong “I Lift My Voice” by Andrea Ramsey 2

Past Violet Longobardi Award Recipients: 2019 Linda Natoli and Eve Omansky 2017 Pedro Cruz

2015 Fran Yellen 2014 Leslyn Rigoni 2011 Randi Beth Small 2010 Deborah Edel 2009 Susan S. Rai 2007 Beth Schneider 2005 Alan Alpert and Linda Trotta

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Ginny Perrin Ginny Perrin, MMFS Director of Operations and Outreach, has worn many hats in her 28 years with the school. First and foremost an educator, she has run Camp Marmac, served as Curriculum Coordinator, Tech Coordinator, and Upper Elementary Division Head, and overseen the development of the Mary McDowell Teaching and Learning Center.

But perhaps Ginny’s most unexpected achievements came as MMFS repeatedly turned to her to help the school grow, both literally and figuratively. In 1999, she helped us work with architects and contractors to turn a former cheese factory at 20 Bergen Street into the permanent home of Mary McDowell Friends School. When the middle school needed its own building, MMFS again turned to Ginny to oversee the buildout of Summit Street. Next, Ginny led a multi-year, multi-phase project that culminated in the opening of the upper school at 23 Sidney Place in 2011, at which time she assumed the management of all three buildings. In 2016, MMFS embarked on its most ambitious project yet: the expansion and renovation of the lower school building on Bergen Street, with Ginny once again at the helm. But never did Ginny imagine that the experience she acquired from these projects would be called upon to ensure the health and safety of every student and staff member during a global health emergency. Ginny almost single-handedly transformed MMFS into its current incarnation, creatively turning every inch of every building into socially distanced, properly ventilated and sanitized learning spaces. Thanks to Ginny’s bone-deep understanding of the needs of our students, her tireless research into current health and safety standards, and her abiding commitment to our community, MMFS has been able to continue providing the education our students need and deserve, even in the midst of a pandemic.

PHOTO OF GINNY

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Congratulations to Ginny Perrin Winner of the Violet Longobardi Award Mary McDowell Friends School 2021 With love and thanks to Ginny from Violet’s Family

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Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

The Levine/Krimstock Family is honored to be part of

Mary McDowell Friends School •

Congratulations to

Ginny Perrin Violet Longobardi Award Honoree •

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Congratulations to Ginny Perrin!

You are the personification of Violet Longobardi’s drive and determination, and a truly worthy recipient of the award given in her name.

How grateful we are!

Daniel Freelander and Elyse Frishman 6

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Aidan Schwartz and his family are honored to be a part of the MMFS family and want to thank the incredible teachers and leadership for a great year.

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Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Bravo Ginny And thank you • Love, the Feinbergs and the Tobins 9

ALEX B., MARYAM, DREW, COLIN, XANDER, ALEX M., ELI, OLIVER, JOSIAH, AFLALO, AND ARTHUR aka

THE AMAZING KRISBERG ROOM! We celebrate you all for your hard work this year.

Love, Krisberg parents

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Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

S

E

A M

U

S

H E N C H Y

AND ASSOCIATES

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 145 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013 Tel: 212-431-7175 Fax: 212-431-5122 www.sghenchy.com

We have been so fortunate to work very closely with Ginny since 2017 on the design and construction of the renovation and addition to the 18-20 Bergen Street campus.

This was a very complicated project by any standard, based on our 40 years' experience on similar types of projects.

Ginny was involved in every detail from start to finish.

She kept her eye on the ball like a champion. She interacted with a multitude of team members with great respect and support to motivate all for the best possible outcome for the school.

We could not have done this without you, Ginny!

It has been a great honor for us to be your partner over these past four years.

Thank you sincerely for the opportunity and your trust.

SHA Team

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Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

THANK YOU

TO ALL THE TEACHERS AND STAFF AT MMFS FOR WORKING TIRELESSLY AND PROVIDING OUR CHILDREN WITH QUALITY EDUCATION IN THIS CHALLENGING TIME!

CONGRATULATIONS TO GINNY PERRIN!

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Congratulations to Ginny Perrin and to Mary McDowell Friends School for their tremendous contribution to

their students, their families and the community.

Diane, Joe and Tony Genova Alumni Family Members of St. Charles Borromeo Parish 14

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

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Congratulations to Ginny!

You are truly a star!

✴

Susan L. Weiner MMFS Trustee Emerita 16

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Congratulations to Mary McDowell Friends School Arnie, Sherie, Joan, Cheryl, Candice

Reiter Law Firm Arnold E. Reiter, Esq. 845-357-2215(t) 845-738-4239(f) areiter@reiterlawfirm.com 135 Chestnut Ridge Road Suite 200 Montvale, NJ 07645

808 Columbus Avenue Suite PH28 New York, NY 10025

9227 E. Rusty Spur Place Scottsdale, AZ 85255 17

The MMFS Board of Trustees

Congratulates the Class of 2021

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Vito Alborea

Salvatore Esposito

Ronnie Malek

Alex Andl

Kyle Goellner

Will Peterson

Mabel Aronson

Madeline Greene

Griffin J. Resnick

Roman M. Baubeau

Alexander Guilmain

Sam Rinzler-Day

Joshua Botel

Hannah Caterina Hojraj

Florencia Tupler

Elly Cimperman

Zoe Justin

Lucca Vicino

Riley Morgan Columbia

Ryan Prince Levychin

Loren Weintraub

William R. Davis

Sarafina Glaricia Lewis

Liam Westlund

Spencer Dill

Daniel Lodato

Paul White

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

WITH ADMIRATION AND HUGE RESPECT, WE SALUTE MMFS FOR REVEALING BRILLIANCE IN ITS STUDENTS! FELICE AND DARRELL FRIEDMAN 19

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Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

A massive, booming, and crescendoing THANK YOU to Sam’s extraordinary teachers!

Special and heartfelt gratitude to John Michel and Taylor Watson for their many years of incredible support and encouragement. You have both made a tremendous difference in Sam’s life and MMFS journey.

You ROCK!!

Beth Ann Day & Ben Rinzler

Thank you for all you have done to make our 13 years at MMFS a wonderful experience for us all.

And to Ginny: A very special congratulations on a very well deserved honor.

Warmly from, Josh (‘21), Sam, Vicki and Larry Botel 21

Congratulations to a great teacher, leader, advocate, wife, mom and all around problem solver and fixer!

We are so proud of you!

Love, Matthew, Eva, Leo & Vick y 22

To Ginny It’s always been about the shoes.

With all our appreciation and a hug too.

Love, Debbie and Beth

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Thank you to everyone at the Mary McDowell Friends School for "Revealing Brilliance" in our students!

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The Board of Trustees of Mary McDowell Friends School

Congratulates Ginny Perrin Violet Longobardi Award Honoree 24

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

To All MMFS Staff and Faculty Your hard work and commitment, especially this year, inspire hard work and commitment in our students.

Thank you for “Revealing Brilliance” every day.

Douglas Ranieri (718) 418-1088

Debbie and Beth

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Integrity. Efficiency.

Commitment.

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Employee Benefits

HR Consulting

Benefits/HR Technology

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Congratulations to Ginny Perrin on being honored at this year’s benefit for her continuous hard work at Mary McDowell Friends School.

To the Benefit Committee ~ Anne, Annie, Dan, Emily, Felice, Holly, Joan, Nancy, Sandy, Shawn, Sherie, and Vicki

T H A N K YOU for all of your hard work and commitment to making the Benefit such a huge success!

In appreciation, Debbie, Beth, and the Development Team

www.archsb.com 242 West 30th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10001 (212) 401.1220 27

Thank you to our amazing “behind the scenes” team!

Without your tireless effort and commitment Virtual Benefit 2021 would not be possible.

BRAVO! Bernie McCormick, Johnny Young, Kim Fraser, Rebecca Barnett, Amy St. Louis, John Grimsley, Catherine Leto-Carbo, Suzanne Leake, Peter Tinaglia, Taylor Waston, Juleen Murray-Shaw, Randy Brett, Orla Dunstan, Liz McGown, Amara Green, Reanna Ramsumer 28

To Ginny …

Who wears so many hats and all with a flair, knowledge and skill …

Who never says no, or I can’t …

Who always takes on the challenge presented and succeeds …

Our hats are off to you.

Congratulations

on receiving the Violet Longobardi Award!

In Friendship and with love, Deborah and Teddy

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

With gratitude and high esteem for the Faculty and Administration.

A decade of learning and progress SERVING THE NEW YORK TRI-STATE AREA. (so far), with more years ahead to keep growing!

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To our friends at MMFS and to those of us who have lost loved ones during this past year due to the pandemic we honor you and think of you.

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• To Amara Green, congratulations on your first “Event” at MMFS! Thank you.

• To Orla Dunstan, who always makes us

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GRATITUDE WALL We are incredibly grateful for the Dunbar teachers: Katie Ayres and Emily McCurrach ~ Lauren Goldberg and Nick Oboum

Our heartfelt thanks to the teachers and specialists who teach and guide our children with so much care and respect.

We are deeply grateful. ~ MMFS Parents Association

Thank you MMFS for doing such a great job during these two challenging school years! Special thanks to ALL of the people working with Harlow online every day - the Cuffe Room teachers Clara and Greg, Emma, Taryn, Stacy, Diane, Bevin, Miku and Amy . . . Miss you all! ~ Harlow Deane

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Congratulations Ginny on this well deserved honor!

Love, Arianne, Sean, Orla, Robert & Daniel

RESILIENCE

JUSTICE. TRUTH. LOVE

~ The Somerville Family

~ The Somerville Family

Virtual Benefit 2021: BE THE LIGHT

Board of Trustees 2020-21

Development Committee 2020-21

Daniel Freelander, Clerk

Felice Friedman, Clerk

Larry Botel Beth Ann Day Deborah Edel Bernard Ehrhardt Nancy Feinberg Felice Friedman Lynn Gernert Celeste Gudas Rebecca Kolins Givan Eric Lagdameo Ken Lippmann Michael Phillips Andrea Davis Pinkney Yvonne Riley-Tepie Gigi Sharp Doris Simmons-Brown Lisa Sinsheimer Sarah Stasny Pauline Thomas Carrie Wojenski Sue Wolfe Angus Yuen-Killick Susan L. Weiner, Trustee Emerita Debbie Zlotowitz, Head of School

Mark Doty Nancy Feinberg Daniel Freelander Joan Giambusso Celeste Gudas Franziska Laskaris Ken Lippman Lisa Sinsheimer Sarah Stasny

Our Mission Mary McDowell Friends School is a K–12 college preparatory program dedicated to the success of students with learning disabilities. Grounded in the Quaker values of equality, integrity, and social responsibility, we cultivate a diverse and anti-racist community in which all students can reach their full potential.

Our specialized teaching methodologies and challenging curricula empower students to become academic achievers, creative thinkers, advocates for equity, and contributing members of a global society.

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Revealing Brilliance