By Linda Conner Lambeck

WESTPORT–The school board, last week, unanimously voted to accept $49,500 in donations raised by the Staples Players Theater group to supplement operating expenses for the 2025-26 school year.

The gifts come from a number of individuals, some who donated the money anonymously.

Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice said the funds are crucial for covering the rising cost of lumber and building materials, costumes, lighting and sound equipment as well as supplementary staffing.

During a brief discussion that preceded the unanimous board vote, Board Member Jill Dillon asked how such donations are kept by the school.

Assistant Superintendent John Bayers said Staples has an account for student activities that includes Players and various other booster clubs. A dedicated bookkeeper at Staples keeps track of the funding.

Named donors of the gift include:

• Anonymous $15,000
• Mitchell’s $5,000
• Melissa and Doug Bernstein and the Bernstein Family Foundation $5,000
• Little Big Brands $5,000
• James Lisa and Eden Rossman $2,500
• Rossi Family Foundation $2,000
• Two anonymous donations totaling $2,000.

Staples Player’s Fall production is Les Miserables, School Edition, which runs Nov. 13-16 and Nov. 20-23. Tickets go on sale Oct. 18.