We invite you to join us at
Illuminations: Benefit 2026; Building a Brilliant Future on May 7 at 501 Union, Brooklyn. MMFS's annual Benefit is a celebration of community and an opportunity to honor people who have made important contributions to MMFS or to the field of learning disabilities. It’s not only our signature fundraiser, it’s one of the most fun events of the year!
This year, we're thrilled to honor Jim Signorelli, Middle School Dean of Students, with the Violet Longobardi Award for his extraordinary dedication to Mary McDowell Friends School. Since joining the school in 1999, Jim has been an innovative and favorite teacher and a beloved member of our staff.
We are also very pleased to present the 2026 Adam's Prize to Deborah Edel and Daniel Freelander in recognition of their contributions to the field of educating children with learning disabilities.
Deborah, the school’s first admissions director and school psychologist, oversaw the growth of the counseling team over 26 years. Since retiring in 2012, Deborah has remained involved in the MMFS community by serving on the Board of Trustees, where she is currently clerk of the Governance Committee.
Daniel served as Clerk of the MMFS board from 2018 until 2023 and has been a trustee since 2014. During his tenure as clerk, he stewarded the MMFS community through the most significant transition in its history, when Debbie Zlotowitz retired after 30 years as Head of School and passed the torch to André Del Valle.
Our fundraising efforts will focus on ensuring that our students have the resources and support they need for years to come.
For more information, contact Director of Development Sadia Mehmood-Pellicano
sadiam@mmfsnyc.org.
