A Night in the Big Apple

The glamour and glitz of Broadway are once again returning to the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall on January 24, 2014, for The Education Foundation of Alachua County’s third annual “A Night in the Big Apple.”

The event will feature spectacular Broadway-themed performances by Alachua County public high school students, as well as elegant drinks, hors d’oeurves and an upscale silent auction for guests to enjoy.

April Griffin and Amy Whitaker, co-chairs of the event, promise that attendees will not leave disappointed.

“This event is a fun and elegant way to support public school education in our community,” says Whitaker.

Solar Impact and Cox Communications are proud to be the presenting sponsors for this event. Both of these sponsors are longtime supporters of Alachua County public school education and The Education Foundation.

A Night in the Big Apple is one of The Education Foundation’s premier fundraising events, with the proceeds supporting the Foundation’s programs. These programs include Take Stock in Children, a college scholarship and mentoring program for at-risk youth, Horse Tales Literacy Project, Find It & Fund It, Catalyst for Change Teacher Grants and Senior Scholarships.

John Carlson, who attended last year, is already looking forward to the January event.

“Pat and I are so very pleased to be able to participate in A Night in the Big Apple coming up in January. Supporting the mission of The Education Foundation is important to our family. The opportunities the Foundation provides for capable young men and women in our public schools make this a ‘must attend’ event for everyone in our community,” he said.

What makes A Night in the Big Apple unique is its incorporation of local public high school students.

“From the time you walk through the door held by a Newberry High Criminal Justice Cadet to the time you leave with dessert prepared by Eastside High Culinary students, you will be amazed at the talent that’s right here in our county,” April Griffin said.

During the evening, guests will enjoy Broadway performances, which will include the Alachua County Public Schools Honor Band, Eastside and Santa Fe High Choruses and a drama presentation from the musical “Pippin” by various Alachua County high school students. Local students will also be speaking about the impact that The Education Foundation has made on their lives.

“We were dually impressed at A Night in the Big Apple last year; not only with the student performances but also with the successes of The Education Foundation. Supporting the efforts of The Education Foundation is a great way to ‘pay it forward’ to Alachua County’s public school students and teachers,” said Brenda and Russ Robinson.

So be sure to put on your best dress, bring some friends and help impact education in your community by attending A Night In The Big Apple from 6 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2014, at the Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall.