The Foundation in Support of Educational Excellence (FSEE) celebrated three pillars of Westchester’s community at its May 7 gala.
The evening at Kanopi in White Plains paid tribute to the Tasca Automotive Group in Yonkers, philanthropist Elinor Urstadt and Kanopi in White Plains Chef Anthony Goncalves. The sold-out event raised funds for the Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE), ensuring the continued growth of one of Yonkers’ most sought-after learning institutions.
Operating five dealerships in Yonkers, the Tasca Automotive Group was recognized for its transformative partnership with the CSEE’s Automotive Lab. Through the Ford Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program, Tasca has provided students with a direct pipeline to high-skill careers.
The foundation owes much of its existence to Urstadt. As a founding member of the FSEE, Urstadt’s long-term vision and unwavering financial support have allowed the CSEE to flourish. The school consistently attracts families from across Yonkers who are seeking rigorous and innovative educational options for their children.
Renowned for his culinary artistry at Kanopi in White Plains, Goncalves was honored for his profound social impact helping nonprofits throughout Westchester County. Beyond his prestige in the kitchen, Goncalves has opened his doors to CSEE’s culinary students, offering them mentorship and a front-row seat to the operations of a world-class restaurant.
The CSEE is a high-performing K-12 institution dedicated to providing Yonkers students with a rigorous, multidisciplinary education. Founded on the belief that every child deserves access to a world-class learning environment, the school combines a challenging core curriculum with innovative vocational programs, including Automotive Lab and Culinary Arts tracks.
