When Montclair Plays Together, Students Win

Thank you to Erik Ekroth and Lucas Hubbard for helping us capture the magic of this event!

At MFEE, we know our supporters are willing to jump through hoops to ensure students in the Montclair Public Schools receive a high-quality education. Turns out, many of you were up for much more… Because adults need recess, too.

Hula-hoop races? Check. 

Waddling like a duck with a rubber ball between your legs? Check. 

Donning giant granny pants and playing catch? Check. 

Laughing in the company of friends, neighbors, and colleagues? Check. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Minute to Win It fundraiser on Thursday, May 28 at Lackawanna Plaza. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit raised nearly $100,000.

We are so grateful to the 150 community members–including 82 MPS staff and Superintendent Ruth Turner–who competed in our series of silly 60-second challenges. You are all incredibly good sports! 

“This event was about celebrating what happens when our community comes together in response to challenges with creativity, optimism, joy … and yes, a little friendly competition,” said MFEE Executive Director Masiel Rodriquez-Vars. “These funds will help fuel MFEE’s new math initiatives, educator grants, after-school programs, equity work, and inclusive programming across our district. The laughter and teamwork on display were a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish.” 

Huge thanks to MFEE Board Co-President and event emcee Bridget Placek, to MFEE Board member LeAnne Korbel and MPS parent Lauren Cancelosi, the masterminds of this event, and to the amazing crew of more than 50 volunteers who supported the games. We couldn’t have pulled this off without them. 

We are also grateful for the financial support of our sponsors, many of whom showed up to cheer and participate, too!

Congrats to our champs, “We The Winning People,” representing Montclair High School’s Civics & Government Institute: Ashley Dorian, Tom Manos, Liam Gutch, Kaitlin Schulz, Suzanne Baptist, and Nick Hernandez. And to our runners-up, the Brookdale Backflippers: Walter Swett, Katrina Forman, Patrick Del Negro, Liana Costas, John Mills, and Leah McCullough. And shouts to the App-Solute Legends from Screen Aware Montclair (Denise Kulhan, Payal Maniar, Ryan Hobler, Lauren Kouiter, and Jill Beckman-Gaynes) for raising more than $8,000, the most of any team. 

Yes, these teams win year-long bragging rights, but Montclair students are the real winners.

To everyone who believes in our mission to fund innovation and ensure equitable access to high-quality public education for all students, THANK YOU. 

P.S. Follow us on Instagram to see more highlights of the action!