St. Stephen's hosts its 11th annual Educational Trust party

WARWICK - Like some of the students who attend St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s Elementary School, many of the guests at the 11th annual St Stephen’s Educational Trust Cocktail Party were not Catholic. But all agreed that they support the quality of education offered in the Warwick parochial school. The St. Stephen’s Educational Trust’s annual cocktail party has become a major fund raiser for the organization. Once again, the guests who came to the Landmark Inn enjoyed an open bar, creative hors d’oeuvres prepared by owner/chef Michael Dimartino and musical entertainment provided by nightclub style singer/pianist Richard Wiggins.The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was local radio and television personality Dick Wells. The St. Stephen’s - St. Edward’s Educational Trust was created 14 years ago to help support educational programs at the tuition-supported elementary school. The Educational Trust helps relieve some of that financial pressure by providing funds for additional equipment and materials. The organization has also developed a need-based scholarship program. During the evening, Ann Vogel, one of the founders of the organization, presented awards to Peter DeMarmels and Terry Gavan for their years of service. Ed Scharfenberger, president of the Trust, also mentioned the names of many of the people who had supported the organization since its founding. “Over the years,” he said, “all of you have been generous in lending support to this annual event and it has not gone unnoticed. That’s why we call it ‘Community Appreciation Night.”