On January 28, the Early Childhood Center’s Winter Auction brought together the entire ECC community for a dazzling evening of support that raised $258,000 for the school.

This critical fundraiser closed the $240,000 gap in the ECC’s operating budget to cover enhanced security, teacher development, teacher and specialist salaries, and more. “We are overwhelmed with deep gratitude by the generosity of our families,” said Lori Schneider, director of the ECC.

Themed around Studio 54, with a classic “back room” serving Veuve Clicquot, MacAllan, and signature shots, the event featured more than 200 silent auction items donated by community members, from a home sing-along with Cantor Daniel Singer to unique jewelry and accessories. A live auction offered such exclusive experiences as dinner for six at Rao’s and a private catered Passover seder with Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch.

In addition to closing the ECC’s budget gap, the auction raised funds for this year’s special project, enhanced technology for ECC classrooms. These funds will improve the ECC’s documentation to make learning more visible — a critical component of the Reggio Emilia philosophy — and improve communication with parents.

Committee chairs Pria Alpern, Elyse Benson, Laura Braunstein, Lauren Kaplan, Alisa Mall, Jill Manczyk, Marissa Miller, Jackie Stern, and Rachel Tannebaum led the event, and Jill Urban created a video featuring ECC children, teachers, staff, and synagogue clergy.

This year’s special project is still open. To donate funds to support enhanced technology in ECC classrooms, please contact Lori Schneider at 212-877-4050, ext. 224, or lschneider@swfs.org, or donate online.