When Andres Sanchez’s two children come home from Deasy Elementary School talking about Lego engineering clubs, cooking activities and colorful classrooms with flexible seating, they know who helped make those experiences possible.
“‘Papa, you have to go to the golf outing because if not, we’re not going to be able to raise enough funds for more activities in the next year,’” Sanchez said, imitating his children with a laugh.
Now, Sanchez plans to return for the Glen Cove Education Foundation’s 12th annual Spring Golf Classic on June 8, an event that organizers say has become one of the community’s biggest annual fundraisers, supporting students in the Glen Cove City School District.
The outing will take place at Glen Cove Golf Club, with registration and lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. and tee times beginning at 1 p.m. Dinner will follow at 5:30 p.m. at The Marker.
City Councilwoman Danielle Fugazy Scagliola, president of the foundation, said that last year’s event raised about $25,000, with proceeds directly benefiting students and educational programs throughout the district. “All of that money goes back to the kids,” she said.
According to Fugazy Scagliola, proceeds from the outing have funded a wide range of projects over the years, including flexible seating for elementary schools, after-school enrichment clubs, outdoor learning spaces and student lounges.
The organization also helped fund a high school girls’ softball team trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown this year, and purchased games and activities for students following the pandemic and the institution of cellphone restrictions in schools.
“The principal of the high school wanted to make sure the kids had some things at lunchtime, like icebreakers, because they were so used to being on their phones,” Fugazy Scagliola said, referring to Principal Allen Hudson. “We purchased thousands of dollars’ worth of games for the kids to play at lunch, like Uno and Connect Fours and Genius Square.”
The education foundation, an independent, community-based nonprofit, supports projects designed to enhance student experiences throughout the district. Past contributions have included a $50,000 electronic sign at the school’s entrance, air purifiers and touchless water filtration systems.
Sanchez, whose children attend Deasy, said he took part in the golf outing for the first time last year after being invited by Fugazy Scagliola, and was impressed not only by the fundraiser itself, but also by the impact the organization has had on local students.
“My children actually know that, for example, the flexible seating at the school — they have these fun chairs where the kids could choose every single day where they’re going to spend their time reading,” Sanchez said. “They know personally that it came from the Glen Cove Education Foundation.”
He added that the after-school programs funded by the foundation have extended beyond the classroom and into family life at home.
“One of my sons is currently in the Lego after-school activity club, while my other one was in a cooking club,” Sanchez said. “Previously, they were in a card game club and board game club, which has transitioned into a weekly game night at our house where we play gin rummy or Go Fish with the kids.”
For Sanchez, the event also serves as a showcase for the broader Glen Cove community.
“A lot of people that I’m inviting come from other parts of Nassau County,” he said. “They’re happy to donate, but also play a round of golf and see what the golf course is like here at Glen Cove and how the community comes together.”
Fugazy Scagliola said she hoped this year’s outing would continue to build the foundation’s momentum while bringing families, educators and community supporters together for a shared cause. “Supporting your local school district is one of the most important things you could do as a community member,” she said.
District Superintendent Alexa Doeschner said the foundation’s support has continued to expand opportunities for students outside the traditional classroom setting.
“The foundation supports extracurricular opportunities for our students, including running elementary clubs in all four of our elementary schools,” Doeschner said. “These clubs give students opportunities to engage in activities beyond the school day.”
She added that the organization also supported this year’s Wind Ensemble Disney World trip, the district’s ski club, the softball team and the laser light show featured during the district’s seventh annual STREAM Night.
“The golf outing is another example of the education foundation bringing the community together,” Doeschner said. “We appreciate their trust and support of the work taking place across the district.”
