Spellbinding Success: Harry Potter-themed gala raises $185,000 for Martin County students

Spellbinding Success: Harry Potter-themed gala raises $185,000 for Martin County students

PALM CITY, Fla. — More than 200 people stepped into the magical world of Harry Potter at this year's Evening of Excellence | Bids for Kids event, which benefits Martin County students. Hosted by the Education Foundation of Martin County and presented by Morganti, this elegant gala fundraiser took place on Saturday, April 5, at Harbour Ridge Country Club.

The Harry Potter themed event, with decorations of Potter's wizardry strewn throughout the room, raised $185,000 to assist the Education Foundation in enriching and enhancing the quality of education in Martin County's public schools.

"This event is the place to be for those who support Martin County's students," said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. "We couldn't present this fun-filled affair without the support of our sponsors, bidders, auction donors and attendees. We are so grateful!"

With more than 500 silent auction items, it's known as the largest of its kind on the Treasure Coast. Guests bid on items that included gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters, and restaurant certificates as they enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Volunteer auctioneer Tom Melander conducted the live portion of the Bids for Kids auction as guests enjoyed dinner. Vanessa Molina-Council of Citrus Grove Elementary School, this year's Teacher of the Year winner, encouraged attendees to raise their paddles high during the bidding process.

Joshua Perry the 2024 Teacher of the Year winner from Crystal Lake Elementary School, and Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County, handled the Call to Action bidding process, which raised money that is earmarked to support new teachers during their first few years of entering the profession.

Event sponsors were the Morganti Group, presenting sponsor; Hedrick Brothers Construction; Keiser University; Jeanine Webster, CFP & Mel Nobel - The Travel Guy; Gehring Group – A Risk Strategies Company; UDT; Paul Jacquin & Sons Construction; Proctor Construction; Harvard Jolly PBK; AT&T; Laviano & Associates – Real Estate Professionals; Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital; Tami Karol Insurance; Florida Power & Light Company;  Anthony D. George, Jr., P.A.; Florida Combined Life; Renaissance Learning; Napoli Orthodontics; WM (Waste Management); Food Shop, Inc.; Taryn & Kevin Kryzda; Beauchamp, Sang, Gonzales & Philpott, P.A.; PNC Bank; Fox McCluskey; Briana Lawson Foundation, The Hyde Group LLC; 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 and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.