Teaming up with The Cooking Lab, a local business owned by Michelle Capobianco and Matt Lanfant, the Ed. Foundation held a Zoom cooking class in which participants were taught how  to prepare a dinner and dessert.  In prior years, Lanfant had been extensively involved in helping raise money for the Ed. Foundation.  On Jan. 10, he walked 50 Zoom call-attendees through baking a chocolate soufflé, followed by Capobianco giving instructions for a Risotto dish.  Each participant donated $50 and partook in a raffle for a gourmet wine gift basket, all of which went to the foundation, which raised over $6,000.  

“We donated the class, and 100% of the proceeds went to the Ed. Foundation.  It was a really fun community event where families cooked together for a cause,” said Capobianco.

As for The Cooking Lab, all classes have been virtual since May due to the pandemic.  However, business has been brisk, with people joining classes via Zoom from around the world.  One benefit that clients have found is that the online classes have united family members from all over the country to cook together safely.

The Cooking Lab’s event brought the Port Washington community together for the sake of its schools.  The Ed. Foundation has provided the opportunity for children here in Port to receive an education that every student deserves.  It has been recognized for improving the district’s academic programs andresources.  

“The goal of the Ed. Foundation is basically to provide grants to enrich education in Port Washington,” said Ed. Foundation Vice President Lauren Edwards.  

The board of directors and junior board, consisting of Schreiber High School students, who contribute to decisions about grants and promote the foundation’s events through social media, have impacted the Port community in many positive ways.  Their past fundraisers include involvement in  The Amazing Race, Feeling Through, and  Champions for Charity..  Additionally, a gala honoring Detective Anthony Guzzellowas scheduled for last spring but was unfortunately canceled due to the pandemic and will be postponed until sometime this year.  

On Feb. 26, the Ed. Foundation is hosting its second virtual fundraiser, “Cocktails for a Cause,” which will be a mixology class and an education on the history of cocktails.