Green Gala raises $56K for Novi Educational Foundation

NOVI — Over 250 people attended the Novi Educational Foundation’s annual Green Gala Fundraiser April 15 at Suburban Collection Showplace. The event, which was presented by Feldman Automotive, netted just over $56,000 for the foundation.

“The NEF could not do it without the generous support of so many in our community,” Alison Dolin, NEF president, stated in the event program.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Kiyerra Lake, the morning news anchor for WLNS in Lansing. Lake graduated from Novi High School in 2011. Other speakers included Novi Woods Elementary School Principal David Ascher, who will be retiring at the end of the school year, and Novi High School student Amy Nygen. Nygen is a 2023 recipient of an NEF scholarship.

During the gala, the Novi High School theater group performed a scene from its 2023 musical presentation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Other activities throughout the night included a photo booth by On Point Entertainment, a casino, a diamond draw, auctions and live music by the Killer Flamingos.

During the event, over 150 silent auction items, including gift cards, baskets, art and experiences, were auctioned off. A live auction included items such as a Detroit Lions staycation with club tickets; a stay at a Marriott hotel; a dinner at Townhouse restaurant, a ride to school on a firetruck and a suite for the Novi High School commencement ceremony.

“The 2023 Green Gala presented by Feldman Automotive was a great night,” said Sue Collins-Schroeder, the executive director of the foundation. “The funds will be used to fulfill our mission of enriching the educational experience of all Novi students.”

According to Collins-Schroeder, the funds will go toward things such as teacher grants, scholarships and district programs, such as therapy dogs.