The Essex Elementary School Foundation (EESF) has announced it will match the funds raised up to $4,500 by the Essex Elementary School (EES) PTO for a new swing set on the school property. The PTO will begin its fundraising efforts at the upcoming Family Night to be held on February 28, 2020 at EES. The cost to attend the event is $20/family and is offered only to EES families. The evening includes a pizza and pajama party, bake sale, several games of BINGO and fundraising activities. Thanks to the generosity of many community businesses and organizations, the fundraiser will also include a chance to buy tickets for amazing prizes like Disney tickets (4), Ivoryton Playhouse tickets, A La Maid cleaning services, YMCA family membership, Toys Ahoy! gift cards and much more! If you would like to donate a prize, or make a corporate donation, you may contact Family Night co-chair Carrie Comerford at: familynightees@gmail.com. The existing swing set at Essex Elementary is 21 years old, and in need of replacement. The cost of a new one will be around $9,000. “When the PTO told us about its fundraising plans for a new swing set, we just knew this was a great cause to get behind and support,” says Bill Jacaruso, President of the Essex Elementary School Foundation. “Family Night is an annual tradition at Essex Elementary School,” says Jennifer Tousignant, principal at EES. “We are grateful for the ongoing work the PTO and The Foundation do to raise money for supplemental projects and programs at the school. The swing set is one of our most cherished assets on the playground and we are excited for the generous donation planned to benefit our school and community.” Financial donations to the Essex Elementary School Foundation can be made online by visiting www.essexesf.org/donate/. Since its inception in 1996, the Essex Elementary School Foundation's primary goal has been to create a significant endowment that can support the school's strategic vision to engage all students in a rigorous and collaborative educational program. Each year, at least 5% of the EESF endowment is allocated for supplemental enrichment programs and projects proposed by the Essex Elementary School administration that would otherwise not be available through traditional funding by the school system and budget. Programs funded include the Justus W. Paul World Culture Program, literacy support materials, equipment for musical and physical education, playground improvements, logical thinking games, audio/visual equipment, 3D printer, an iPad lab, and an Engineering with LEGOS program.