PALM CITY, Fla. — Hundreds of people who support local schools, students and teachers recently went on a fantastical tour of their own at the Education Foundation of Martin County's Evening of Excellence | Bids for Kids gala. Presented by Morganti, the event featured Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka's magical chocolate factory. This elegant fundraiser, held at Harbour Ridge Country Club in Palm City, attracted a sell-out crowd and raised $200,000.
"It's incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together to support our students and teachers," said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. "Nights like this remind us that when a community invests in education, everyone benefits. The impact of this gala will be felt long after it ends."
The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, sponsored by Hedrick Brothers Construction, as guests walked through the candy-coated wonderland while perusing the largest silent auction on the Treasure Coast. They bid on more than 500 extraordinary treasures before professional auctioneer KC Daniel conducted an exclusive live auction that featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Auction items included gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters and restaurant certificates. All proceeds support educational enrichment programming for students.
Other top event sponsors included CROC Enterprises LLC; Gehring Group Brown & Brown Public Sector; Jacquin & Sons Construction; Keiser University; Proctor Construction; PBK; Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; AT&T; Tami Karol Insurance; FPL; Anthony D. George, Jr. P.A.; Meola Technology, Inc.; Treasure Coast Psychiatry; Conchy Joe's Seafood; The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House; UDT; Florida Blue/USABLE; STS Aviation Group; Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital and SwissMango.
For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at 772-600-8062.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District's strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County's public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
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