The Friends of Holyoke Public Schools held a laughter filled fundraising event this past Friday, February 24. The benefit took place at the Log Cabin and featured the entertaining Boston’s Improv Asylum. All of the proceeds of the event were collected by the Friends of Holyoke Public Schools which help supply financial and volunteer resources to schools, teachers, field trips, supplies and other programs.

This year marked the 5th anniversary of Improv Night – a night in which the Improv Asylum made jokes and performed skits about happenings in the city and school system.

“It’s always a fun night for everyone to come out,” said Holyoke High principal Stephen Sullivan. “It’s events like this that help us move in a positive direction.”

Every year, a local person is invited up on stage to take part in the fun. Last year, Dr. Zrike joined the comedians on stage. This year, both Assistant Superintendent Luis Soria and local celebrity Paul Payer were invited up to join in the fun.

Holyoke’s local education fund was established back in 2008 and has continued to grow ever since. With the donations and money raised by Improv Night, they were able to grow their small grants program. Friends of the Holyoke Public Schools are able to provide for teachers across the district such as supplying iPads in classrooms and other great advancements the help academic achievement.

The Friends of The Holyoke Public School’s mission is to celebrate creativity and promote ideas and programs in the school systems.

“I love this event so much and to see how much it has grown in the last three years is awesome,” FHPS President Tessa Romboletti said. “Having been a student in the Holyoke Public Schools,  I have created a strong bond with all the teachers, who work very hard.”

The fundraising doesn’t just stop after this event. Donations are greatly appreciated and are made payable to “Friends-HPS.”  All donations will go toward making the Holyoke Public Schools a better place to work and learn.

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