CCEF Gala Achieves Record Fundraising for Students and Schools!
The Cherokee County Educational Foundation's (CCEF) Celebration of Education Gala, held on March 9 at the Northside Cherokee Conference Center in Canton, was a grand success. Over 400 guests gathered, setting a new attendance record. This year's gala raised nearly $200,000, with all proceeds going to support students, classrooms, teachers, and staff within the Cherokee County School District.
This year's 'Celebration of Education' Gala set a new fundraising record CCEF, marking the most successful event in its 12 years of supporting education in Cherokee County schools. The proceeds will fund the foundation's Classroom Impact Grants and Special Project Grants, highlighting CCEF's dedication as a key supporter of the Cherokee County School District.
This year's Gala, adorned with a Beatles theme by O'Brien Productions, set a festive stage for the evening. Guests were entertained by the renowned Beatles cover band, Liverpool Legends, alongside local talents Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler. The cuisine from 1885 Grill of Acworth went along with the theme, featuring items like the Strawberry Fields Salad and Hey Booze Bourbon Bar. The event was proudly sponsored by the architectural firm MSSA-PBK-Atlanta, with Jamie Bendall of the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta serving as the emcee. The silent auction and raffle returned this year, sparking enthusiastic participation from the crowd.
The night also paid tribute to the retiring Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Hightower, who was honored with a gift from CCEF Board President Billy Hayes and Cherokee School District Chief of Staff Mike McGowan. Another highlight was the presentation of the 2024 Alumni of the Year awards to Ken White and Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, celebrating their outstanding contributions. Learn more about the esteemed winners here.
This year's Gala, adorned with a Beatles theme by O'Brien Productions, set a festive stage for the evening. Guests were entertained by the renowned Beatles cover band, Liverpool Legends, alongside local talents Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler. The cuisine from 1885 Grill of Acworth went along with the theme, featuring items like the Strawberry Fields Salad and Hey Booze Bourbon Bar. The event was proudly sponsored by the architectural firm MSSA-PBK-Atlanta, with Jamie Bendall of the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta serving as the emcee. The silent auction and raffle returned this year, sparking enthusiastic participation from the crowd.
The night also paid tribute to the retiring Cherokee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Brian Hightower, who was honored with a gift from CCEF Board President Billy Hayes and Cherokee School District Chief of Staff Mike McGowan. Another highlight was the presentation of the 2024 Alumni of the Year awards to Ken White and Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, celebrating their outstanding contributions. Learn more about the esteemed winners here.
Thanks to everyone who joined us this year to celebrate education in Cherokee County. Can't wait until next year!
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