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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. The much beloved Fran Perez will have a fundraiser in her name, to benefit the children of Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School in Croton. Perez-a-Palooza will feature a variety show of faculty and staff to benefit the Fran Perez Memorial Scholarship.
Kelly Maloney, principal of Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary, said Perez was always helping out wherever needed, she was a real person, nothing fake about her." She called Perez a storyteller and a "jokester." Croton-Harmon School District faculty will dance and sing their renditions of STOMP, Lady Gaga songs and Dancing with the Stars. There are 20 acts together.
Marlena Roberts, one of the teachers helping to organize the event, said students and teachers are buzzing about the upcoming event. "Everyones practicing in their preps and their lunches, its like the school of the arts with the teachers here," she said.
The one-time fundraiser will provide a scholarship fund for students who wish to participate in after-school programs, but can't pay the activity fee. Organizers are hoping to raise enough money to pay an aid to attend after school activities to assist students with special needs.
The recently deceased Perez was much beloved in the community, as evidenced by the enthusiasm for Perez-a-Palooza. Tickets for the 7 p.m. performance sold out within four days of its announcement. Faculty added a second show to accommodate all the participants. Performances will take place at Croton-Harmon High School on Jan. 26 admission is $8.
Perez was a teachers aide at the elementary school, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. At 44-years-old she died, leaving a loving family and community behind. She was an ardent supporter of after school programs, and was a one-on-one aid for students with special needs.
Donations to the scholarship fund can be made online and tickets can be reserved in advance (recommended) online or at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary. Please email Marlena Roberts at marlena.roberts@chufsd.org with any questions.
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