Press Release: 2011 Charity Classic Celebration, Building Blocks for a Bright Future
August 29, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2011 Charity Classic Celebration, building blocks for a brigher future
NAPLES, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2011) – The Immokalee Foundation 2011 Charity Classic Celebration dinner and auction will take place Friday, Nov. 11 at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. The theme of this year’s event, “Building Blocks for a Brighter Future” celebrates the foundation’s mission to provide sustained educational opportunities that make aspirations come true for the youth of Immokalee.
The event will provide an opportunity for patrons to underwrite once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children that will help them believe they truly can achieve their dreams. Last year marked the first Fund A Dream auction to allow benefactors to support the young people of Immokalee by giving directly to a child rather than purchasing an auction item.
“Fund A Dream provides the chance to send a child to college for only $6,500,” says Joe Zednik, event chair and TIF board member. “But that’s not all. Fund A Dream also allows supporters to send a child to summer camp in New England for as little as $1,000, sponsor an Immokalee Reader for $650 or help give a child the tools to be successful by purchasing a computer for $1,000. A $2,000 donation will buy a “seat” in a new TIF van to transport children to programs they have never experienced. There are so many possibilities.” He explained that all funds raised through Fund A Dream will be used on programs to directly benefit the children. All contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
Other highlights of the event include an extraordinary dinner presented by the chefs of The Ritz-Carlton, a magnificent silent auction, big-band entertainment and dancing. Also on hand will be TIF students sharing their experiences, as well as a performance by the Immokalee High School BETA (Better Education Through Achievement) Club.
Presenting sponsor for the 2011 Charity Classic Celebration is The Johnson Meland Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. Additional sponsors are Fifth Third Bank, founding sponsor; and GE Foundation, corporate matching sponsor. Hope Society sponsors include Arthrex Inc. and Texas Roadhouse. The Empowerment Circle sponsor is Kelly Tractor. Education Circle sponsors include Bigham Jewelers, Caterpillar Foundation, Jaguar Naples and Porsche of Naples, and Joseph’s Custom Clothiers. Naples Illustrated is the corporate media sponsor.
Ticket prices are $550 per guest, tables are available at $5,000 for 10 and $6,000 for 12. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are also available. For more information or to make reservations, contact The Immokalee Foundation at 239-430-9122, email info@immokaleefoundation.org or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org. Last year’s Charity Classic dinner and auction and Pro-Am golf tournament raised more than $1.2 million to fund the organization’s programs.
The Immokalee Foundation has a range of programs that focus on building pathways to success through college and vocational school, mentoring and tutoring, and opportunities for broadening experiences and life skills development. To learn more about the Charity Classic Celebration, volunteering as a mentor or for additional information, call 239-430-9122 or visit www.immokaleefoundation.org.
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Contact:
Sharon Arnold, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and Public Relations, 239-275-5758, sarnold@gravinasmith.com
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