The Friends of Matheny presented a $150,000 check to the Peapack-Gladstone-based special-education school.
BERNARDSVILLE - The Friends of Matheny raised $150,000 for the Peapack-Gladstone-based special-education school this year.
A ceremonial check representing the funds was presented to Dr. Kendell R. Sprott, Matheny president and chief executive officer, during the group's annual luncheon meeting held at the Somerset Hills Country Club.
"I can't thank The Friends enough for their generosity and hard work," Sprott said.
The check was presented by Linda Horton, manager of The Friends of Matheny's Second Chance thrift shop, and Liz Geraghty, president of The Friends.
The funds will support programs and services that benefit the students and patients at Matheny, a hospital and educational facility for children and adults with medically-complex developmental disabilities.
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"The staff members at Matheny produce a wish list of things not covered by Medicaid or insurance," Horton said. "We look at the wish list and decide. We choose how the money is used."
One way the money from last year will be used is to fund a trip to Disney World for four Matheny residents. Sean Bielefeldt, director of recreation therapy, thanked The Friends "for making this happen.
"We're taking six patients to the happiest place on earth for six days and five nights," he said. "It wouldn't be possible without your support."
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After serving as Friends president for four years, Geraghty will be succeeded by Kathy Sisto, a resident of Bernardsville. Sprott also thanked Geraghty for her leadership.
"She has been a very important, steady leader," he said. He also thanked Horton for continuing to be "the CEO of the thrift shop."
Since its start in 1983, The Friends have raised more than $3 million.
The Friends of Matheny officers and board members for 2016-17 gather for a group photo. Pictured (from left) are Andrea Szott, a resident of Morristown; Dorothy Carter, Nancy Hojnacki and Kathy Sisto (incoming president), all Bernardsville residents; Linda Horton, Peapack-Gladstone; Liz Geraghty, Cranford; Doris Burman, Westfield; Edana Desatnick, Basking Ridge; Kim Caniano, Flemington; and, Jean Wadsworth, Basking Ridge. (courtesy photo)