The annual Hewitt Fair, a longtime tradition and the largest fundraiser organized by the Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School PTA, drew big crowds, community support and heartfelt moments during its most successful event to date.
The biggest fundraiser the PTA puts on each year, all proceeds from the fair directly support the PTA’s student programming, most significantly the Arts in Motion program, which provides enriching arts experiences for Hewitt students. The program includes off-site field trips to theatrical performances as well as in-school programming such as immersive storytelling workshops.
This year, the PTA added new community-minded features, including business sponsorship opportunities that came with signage at the event and promotion on flyers throughout the area. Katie Murphy and Cait Heller, co-presidents of the PTA, said the goal was to incorporate local businesses and give back to them.
The Oct. 4 fair also featured longtime favorite attractions including a petting zoo, a trackless train and hand-built games created by local families — many passed down over the years. Local DJ Dina once again provided music and entertainment, engaging students and families throughout the day.
The 2025 fair also carried a deeper meaning, with a special tribute to beloved former head custodian Brian Doris, who passed away unexpectedly this past May. For many years, Murphy and Heller said, Doris played a behind-the-scenes yet essential role in the success of the fair — from dawn set-up to end-of-day breakdown.
They named the grill in honor of Doris and will be making a donation to Backyard Players & Friends in his honor. Kinfolk Corner Market, a local business, catered the grill and donated all food and services, with all proceeds benefiting the PTA. Murphy and Heller both shared the success of the event, said it was a “meaningful and special tribute to him.”
Doris’ daughter, a teacher at Watson Elementary, and his two granddaughters attended the fair and saw the memorial banner displayed at the grill bearing his name.
In addition to Kinfolk Corner Market, many local businesses sponsored the event or donated raffle items. Sponsors included Jeannine’s Gifts, Polka Dot Pound Cake, Caffe on Park, Emilie Shapiro Jewelry, Move Better with Melissa Barrett PT, Sportset Kids, Dee’s Nursery, Curated Concierge Co., Nicole Hoenig Interiors, Tease Beauty Bar, Creative Concierge (Michelle James Wettstein), McDonald Landscape, Made by Elle Ashlei and Marc Sacco Agency – Allstate.
Raffle donors also included Rogue Cycles, Barre by Mary, Energy Fitness, Core and Co., RVC Soccer Club, Elite Island Cheer, Bay Crane and UBS Arena.
Murphy and Heller also credited Hewitt Principal Anna McGovern for her continued support of the PTA, saying that in her second year at Hewitt she has been “extremely supportive of the PTA, allowing us to grow our seasoned events and try out new events and fundraisers,” going above and beyond.
Helen Kerner, a fourth-grade parent, PTA member and Special Education Partners representative, chaired the fair. Kerner also introduced the “Take a Break Table,” a quiet space with sensory bins, coloring and playdough for students who may feel overwhelmed during the fair.
Reflecting on the day, Murphy and Heller said this year’s event not only met its fundraising goals but also reinforced the deep ties between the school, its families and the greater Rockville Centre community.
