In keeping with the Education Foundation of Indian River County’s harmonious approach to working with the school district, the theme of its fall fundraiser last Thursday – Keeping in Tune with Innovation and Education – hit all the right notes.
Past Foundation president Patrice Stowe chose the unique performers; a high energy dueling piano act called 176 Keys, as the prefect entertainment for the evening. The event was held in the Holmes Great Hall at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, with guests seated at tables around a raised stage where they could interact with the duo.
“We heard that they would make it a fun night for everyone,” said current president Gail Kinney. “It is not just a typical dinner dance just for couples. We can all enjoy it together and as long as they are enthusiastic about education and what we do to help enrich the lives of the children, everyone is welcome.”
Cynthia Falardeau, executive director, said she thought the sold-out event was a huge success enjoyed by everyone.
“The performers thought it was very cool that they were playing in an art museum but they thought it might be stuffy,” said Falardeau. “It was far from stuffy!”
Guests were asked to come with song requests in mind and became part of the show as they shouted out titles. They were also required to point at “the craziest person at their table.” Revenge was sweet as that person got to choose another to go on stage.
“People were dancing in the aisles and one person even danced on a chair,” said an amused Falardeau.
A rendition of “YMCA” brought down the house with men dancing to the iconic song on stage.
Pat Donovan, dubbed Party Patti, brought along twenty-two of her friends. “That was the MOST FUN I’ve had on a Thursday night in a long time,” Donovan wrote to Falardeau post-event.
“It was really great to see community leaders dancing and having so much fun,” said Falardeau.
The event helped fund Foundation efforts that are dear to the hearts of attendees and organizers.
“We are not just about providing backpacks, sneakers and funding a science fair anymore,” said Kinney. “There are bio stem labs in both high schools, we are working to fund extended school years for preschoolers, we now have an automotive academy, a model Pre-K program, and much more.”
“The difference being really good at what we do and just mediocre really depends on the difference between state funding and the Foundation’s help,” said Indian River State College President Dr. Edwin Massey. “We really appreciate the Foundation stepping in to help teachers accomplish very special things in the classrooms with their support.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fran Adams acknowledged that every grade level benefitted from the Foundation through grants. “We call them our angels because they are always watching over us and helping us when we need it,” said Adams.