A Rumson teenager presented a $450 donation to the Count Basie Theatre's Cool School in Red Bank as part of her bat mitzva project.

The donation by Carly Goldstein, 13, will benefit the scholarship fund of the school's education department.

Carly raised the money by staging a talent show at Temple Beth Miriam in Elberon.

Like many of the synagogue's b'nei mitzva, she worked with a member of the synagogue Social Action Committee in their Kishrei HaLev (connections of the heart) program.

"For my Kishrei HaLev project, I wanted to do something that is very near and dear to my heart — theatrical arts," said Carly. "For four years, I've been taking acting courses at the Count Basie Theatre Cool School. It's a great place for anyone who loves to act, dance, and sing. I would hate for someone not to be able to go just because of financial problems."

After obtaining permission from the temple's board of directors, Carly began to assemble talent for the show, which was called "A Temple Full of Stars." The show, which took place last month, featured skits, songs, and dances, all performed by the temple's religious-school students and youth group members.

"The talent show was a noncompetitive event, so that everyone could showcase their talents; I didn't want anyone to feel that they weren't talented," Carly said. "I also thought the show could bring the temple closer together in a fun way."

Fifteen acts were featured in the 90-minute show; the performers had attended three rehearsals that were supervised by Carly and Melissa Peck of Ocean Township, chair of the Social Action Committee and Carly's SAC adviser.

They charged $5 for adults and $2 for the three-18 age group.

"Knowing that someone isn't as lucky as I am to pursue their dreams just kills me," Carly said. "You never know if there is another Jennifer Aniston or Robin Williams out there who does not have the opportunity to act."

Carly began acting in the third grade and immediately fell in love with performing.

"I would love to create the same passion for someone else," she said. "It would be a dream come true to know that I helped someone realize what they want to do for the rest of their life."

Yvonne Scudiery, Cool School education director, said Carly's gift will help to fulfill the aspirations of other students.

"Ms. Goldstein has paid us the highest compliment through her efforts to raise scholarship funding for the Cool School program," said Scudiery. "It is a terrific feeling to know that she considers our classes an activity that everyone should have the chance to experience. Now that is cool!"