By Jennifer Ersalesi
On Friday, February 7th, the RCDN will host it’s annual Pocketbook Bingo to raise money for the Cooperative Day Nursery school and their programming. Three women have taken on the role of chairing this event, Erica Russo, Erin Marrone, and Trish LoRusso. They took some time out of their busy schedules to tell TIR all about RCDN (Rutherford Cooperative Day Nursery) and their upcoming event, Pocketbook Bingo.
TIR: Tell us about RCDN.
Erica Russo: Rutherford Cooperative Day Nursery is located at 32 Ridge Road in Rutherford and has been educating and caring for children for over 50 years! It offers excellent preschool programs for 3 and 4-year-olds, in a Co-Op styled environment with parents assisting the child’s educator.
TIR: Why did you choose to send your child to RCDN?
Erica Russo: We recently moved out of Rutherford to Wood-Ridge, when it was time to enroll our child in a Pre K 3 program we knew that RCDN always had an amazing reputation. It was an easy decision once we found out that they accept Non-Resident families.
Erin Marrone: When looking for a preschool for our daughter, I thought back to my Pre K experience. As an alumnus of the school, I recall the happy times and wonderful friendships that I shared as a 3 and 4-year-old at RCDN. After taking a quick look at its child-centered, play-based learning approach, we knew it was the place for her She’s gone into school every day with a smile and has grown so much academically and emotionally in her time there.
Trish LoRusso: RCDN provides a very warm feeling. As a stay at home mom, this was the perfect school for my children to go to. I’m very flexible with my schedule, so I am able to work in the classroom and see my child’s progress from month to month. I love how the curriculum is based around play. I feel it’s very important for children at ages 3 & 4 to learn how to play properly and share. They also come home learning SO much and they are SO loved. I’ve had 4 nephews come to this school as well as 2 cousins. I’m now back at RCDN with my 3rd child & couldn't be happier, but I’m sure he’s happier!
TIR: Pocketbook Bingo is a popular event sponsored by RCDN. Why have you chosen this particular fundraiser to organize?
ER: My passion for event planning stems from my career path as an Executive Chef. I organized and operated many successful events during my employment at Matera’s on Park. I’ve also had the opportunity to Co-Chair a few events during my time on the Rutherford Education Foundation.
EM: I’ve always loved volunteering my time for the benefit of helping others/organizations. As a child and adult, my family energetically volunteered their time and talents, particularly for Saint Mary’s school and church. My family instilled the value of volunteerism in my life and I’m grateful to be able to share that enthusiasm with the RCDN family. Pocketbook Bingo is a fun evening for everyone in attendance as there is something for everyone to enjoy!
TL: Back when I was here at RCDN with my 13-year old I was the Chair of the Special Events Committee. With this Committee, I was in charge of one of the big events- The Craft Fair. I’m a very organized person and I love being involved in my boys’ schools. I feel that paves a positive school experience for them. RCDN is special. Fundraising is huge for this Co-op and I will always do anything I can for this school! I’m also on committees at my older sons’ schools!
TIR: What can people expect at Pocketbook Bingo?
ER: Everyone loves our Winner Bags, Tricky Tray Baskets like gift certificates from Local Rutherford Businesses like Matera’s, Paisano’s, Maggie McGill Photography and Mason’s Cellar! But most importantly, we know everyone comes to enter to win our grand raffle prize- The Louis Vuitton Bag donated from our annual sponsor, PCL Construction.
EM: With 10 games of Bingo with designer bag prizes, a 50/50 Raffle, Tricky Tray baskets, Door Prizes and other fun surprises along the way, this event is sure to entertain everyone!
TL: A Girls night out for an extremely great cause. What’s better than that? Not to mention 10 gorgeous bags you could go home with on top of our Tricky Tray items you have a chance of winning! Throw in a 50/50 and Louis Vuitton Raffle. I’m sure it will be a fun night for all!
TIR: Why do you think people should attend this fundraising event?
EL: It is our biggest fundraiser that we hold each year. All of the monetary donations throughout the year and during the event go directly to support our children and teachers of the RCDN program. If it wasn’t for the constant support of our community and families we would not be able to continue the success of our school.
We want to thank our sponsors:
Event Sponsor- BCB Bank
Annual Sponsors- PCL Construction and BASS behavior analysis support services,
New Sponsors for 2020- Rottini Construction, Seehaus & Walker Construction and Mason’s Cellar
For tickets, click here.
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