Fundraiser supports education foundation
About 300 guests raised $116,000 for the Broward Education Foundation at its 16th annual Black & White Gala.
Money will be used for the Tools for Schools program that provides free supplies to students and teachers, college scholarships and more, said Tom Severino, president and CEO.
The foundation also honored Jarett and Dara Levan, Dwight and Dinah Stephenson and BrightStar Credit Union for their support. The event, staged at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale, included a silent auction, dining and live entertainment.
“We believe in helping students and teachers, and we are dedicated to building communities and changing lives,” Dinah Stephenson said. “It is our passion to support education that plays a vital role in developing young minds.”
Severino said the money is particularly needed at a time of budget constraints.
“The cost of public education is not nearly covered by the state, and over the years we’ve seen academic, arts and athletic programs cut,” he said. “There is no money for creativity and innovation, and some Broward County children live in really challenging conditions.”
During the event, Jarett Levan, president of BBX Capital, announced that the BBX Capital Foundation was donating $6,000 to a scholarship fund through the foundation honoring outstanding students who are graduating from Broward County Public Schools. A $2,000 scholarship will be awarded each year for the next three years.
Established in 1983, the nonprofit education foundation supports public schools in a variety of ways.
This past year, it awarded 368 grants to teachers totaling $187,700, with a focus on financial literacy, alternative learning strategies, interdisciplinary learning, bridging cultural and ethnic barriers, and promoting collaborations to improve learning
Officials added that as a participant in Tools for Schools, the foundation has helped donate and distribute $6 million in school supplies.
For more information, call 754-321-2030 or visit Browardedfoundation.org.