Nearly 300 members of the Manhasset community joined together on Saturday, Jan. 23 at North Hempstead Country Club in a fun-filled evening of dining and dancing to support the four Manhasset schools. When it was all over, the Tower Foundation's annual dinner dance raised $78,000, eclipsing last year's record fund raiser.

The sold out black-tie event had many memorable moments including a heartfelt speech by Judge Kenneth Molloy in recognition of Tower Foundation founder Win Himsworth. To Mr. Himsworth's surprise and to the delight of the evening's attendees, Judge Molloy proclaimed Sunday, Jan. 24 as "Win Himsworth Day" in the Town of North Hempstead.

The president of the Tower Foundation, Nancy Morris, took the podium to thank the Manhasset teachers, the administration, parents, as well as Frank Castagna and the people of The Americana shopping center for their generous and continuing support of this most worthwhile cause. She also recognized dinner co-chairs and board members Marie Eslinger Horowitz and Michelle McGann, the Tower dinner dance committee for their tireless work, including Elizabeth Abbott, Christian Corin, Mimi Donahue, Joan Hotarek, Joseph Janik, Karen Golden, Mae Mauri, Susan Thompson and Christine Weppler.

Ms. Morris used the opportunity to announce a special gift to the Manhasset schools from CMP Media and its co-founder Mrs. Lilo Leeds. CMP has agreed to provide more than $10,000 to create an after-school academic intervention program for children, grades 7-12, who are considered "at risk." She also thanked Tower board member Peter Himler for his efforts in making this happen.

On a more festive front, Plandome resident Bruce Miller was again in rare form conducting a live auction of items that included: weekend trips to Okemo Ski Resort and Bermuda, rounds of golf, an Americana shopping spree and dinner at Naples 25, and Broadway theatre tickets, dinner and hotel accommodations in New York City. Sotheby's, watch out!

For the last auction item of the evening -- a catered sky box for 12 at a New York Rangers game -- Win Himsworth stepped up to the podium to lead a "Japanese-style" auction. He started at $50 and went up from there. The last person to be standing would collect the prize. As the price climbed higher, Manhasset resident and father of four, Fred Schoenhut, soon found himself alone on his feet. Go Rangers!

The dinner dance was a great financial success for the schools. It also brought together the Manhasset community -- both young and old -- for a festive evening. Acting Superintendent of Schools Elliot Garfinkle, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Ray Melucci and Munsey Park Principal Dr. Jean Kendal mingled cordially with parents and Manhasset civic and business leaders.

The Tower Foundation will use the funds to make substantial educational gifts to each of the four Manhasset schools. It will also contribute part of the proceeds to the Tower Endowment Fund toward its goal of $1 million.