Benefiting A One-Room Schoolhouse
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
I wanted to report back to all of our faithful followers and supporters with one big thank you for the success of the Freedom to Learn Gala 2024, benefiting A One-Room Schoolhouse. The gala was a smashing success with more sponsors and seats sold than we’ve ever had before. Your unwavering support and dedication have truly made a difference, and we are incredibly grateful.
A Night to Remember
The evening started off with tasty hors d’oeuvres and fun games, setting a lively tone for the night. This year, we had much more interesting entertainment through our various events at the gala. We kicked things off with open play cornhole before our tournament, allowing our fierce competitors to get warmed up. This added an extra layer of excitement to the event and got everyone in the spirit for friendly competition.
In addition to the open play cornhole, we had hundreds of gift cards donated by our schoolhouse families. Attendees had the chance to win some of these gift cards through the flip picture event and the spin the wheel event, adding a fun and interactive element to the evening. These games were a hit and kept everyone engaged throughout the night.
Generous Donations and Fierce Bidding
We were also fortunate to receive dozens of valuable gift baskets donated by companies, many of which we use at the schoolhouse, as well as local businesses that support our endeavors. The silent auction was particularly fierce this year. I noticed people all through the night getting up mid-dinner to check on their bids to ensure they were still in the lead. The competitive spirit was alive and well, and it was thrilling to see the community’s enthusiasm and generosity.
A Feast Fit for Kings and Queens
We were blessed with a fabulous dinner featuring filet mignon, crab cakes, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and the signature Shady Elms rolls. For dessert, we enjoyed one of my favorites, crème brûlée. The meal was exquisite and added a touch of elegance to the evening. We want to give a big thank you to The Grazing Goat for another great meal.
Dancing the Night Away
Although the dancing was brief, let me tell you, our schoolhouse teachers can cut a rug! Their enthusiasm and energy lit up the dance floor, and it was a joy to see everyone letting loose and having fun. The dance floor was alive with laughter and joy, even if only for a short while.
Fundraising Success
Overall, the evening was both enjoyable and impactful. The Freedom to Learn Gala felt the support of our community in a profound way. Thanks to the success of the gala, we now have enough funds to fully support our scholarship program and our three new expanded classrooms for the 2024-2025 school year. This achievement brings immense joy to my heart, as it means we can continue to provide quality education and resources to our students.
Expanding Our Vision
Our community’s continued support of the Freedom to Learn Gala enables us to expand our classrooms, provide new materials for our students, and offer scholarships. One of my primary goals when we started the schoolhouse was to ensure that no family would be turned away due to an inability to pay. The scholarship fund, supported by the gala, is a significant part of making that vision come true. We will also be able to purchase durable goods and supports for our students, significantly expanding the library at many of our campuses, buying new science equipment, and acquiring new recreational equipment for outdoor activities. Additionally, we will continue to support the professional development of our teaching staff.
Gratitude to Our Hosts and Sponsors
A special thank you goes to our hosts, Shady Elms, our caterer, Grazing Goat, and our faithful bartender, Last Call Bartending. Without their support and the countless businesses that donate and sponsor us, the gala would not have been possible. Their contributions are invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership with the Freedom to Learn Gala.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, we are filled with hope and excitement. The success of the Freedom to Learn Gala has provided us with the resources we need to continue growing and thriving as a community. We are committed to providing the best possible education for our students and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to be a part of A One-Room Schoolhouse.
Thank you once again to everyone who made the gala a success. Your support means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful for your generosity and dedication. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and their families. Here’s to a bright and successful future for A One-Room Schoolhouse!
Additional Information
If you would like to learn more about our scholarship program, classroom expansions, or how you can support A One-Room Schoolhouse, please visit our website or contact us directly. Donation can be made year round, here. We are always looking for new ways to engage with our community and provide the best possible education for our students. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are available here:
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming events and initiatives. We look forward to sharing more success stories with you in the future. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for believing in the power of education.
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