For the first year ever, the Commack Road Elementary School PTA will be hosting their annual Blue Jeans Ball—an adult-only night of fun and fundraising—in their hometown of Islip. The private cocktail party will be held at Harp & Hound on Main Street in Islip on April 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The PTA of Commack Road Elementary School (CRES) began the Blue Jeans Ball in 2018 as a basket fundraiser and sit-down dinner at catering halls in other towns. With the fundraiser being held in Islip for the first time this year, the PTA reimagined the event.

“It is going to be more of a cocktail party atmosphere in a spot where many of us have had dinners and nights out with friends,” explained co-presidents of the CRES PTA, Charlstie Veith and Kelly Horner. “The Harp & Hound is a staple on Islip Main Street. We had a vision of bringing it to Islip and supporting a local business as we supported our Islip children.”

For the online purchase of a $60 ticket, or a $65 ticket at the door, attendees can expect a more casual, private cocktail party atmosphere with live music, dancing, brief speeches highlighting this year’s honorees, fundraising opportunities all night, and lots of fun.

Proceeds from the event will fund the numerous events and activities for CRES students held throughout the year by the PTA, including the fall and winter Family Fun Nights, Color Run, talent show, book fairs, PARP reading program, assemblies, offsetting the cost of field trips, and so much more.

The CRES PTA will be honoring two women at the Blue Jeans Ball: Laura Rogacki and Patti Austin.

Rogacki is a current Islip Board of Education member, was a past president of the CRES PTA, and was the originator of the Blue Jeans Ball (BJB) when it first started in 2018. Rogacki owns Little Angels and is an active member of the Islip community.

Austin was a teacher at CRES for 20-plus years, who retired in June 2021 after teaching second grade for a majority of her career. Austin was a huge supporter of the PTA and any program that benefited the students. Her retirement occurred mid-COVID time, and the CRES PTA chose to spotlight her as the first Teacher Spotlight to give her the true sendoff she deserved.

Purchase a ticket to the event by visiting bjb-hometown-edition-2024.cheddarup.com, and don’t forget to wear your favorite jeans!