Johnston County Education Foundation to hold “Dream Big for Education” gala

By MIKE BOLLINGER

SELMA — Everybody loves a party, especially when it’s for a good cause.

Such an event is planned for Friday, May 6 at The Farm at 42, when the Johnston County Education Foundation holds its “Dream Big for Education” gala at 6 p.m.

“This will be our major fundraiser for the next couple of years,” said JCEF executive director Darla Peedin. “Our fundraisers were the spelling bee and Showcase of Stars, and because of the pandemic we haven’t been able to hold these since 2019. You have to err on the side of caution when dealing with children. We hope to be able to have the Showcase this year, and we hope to make the gala an annual event.”

The gala will include performances by students from local high, middle and elementary schools. It will also feature art and a silent auction as well as a catered dinner, Peedin said.

Performers are scheduled to come from Cleveland, Clayton and Smithfield- Selma high schools; McGee’s Crossroads, North Johnston and Swift Creek middle schools and Benson, Cooper Academy and Princeton elementary schools. The art exhibits will come from several schools across the county, Peedin said. According to Peedin, items up for bid in the silent auction will include various items ranging from vacations to a basket with Johnston County goodies. “We will award the items periodically throughout the evening,” she said.

The featured speaker will be Catherine Truitt, state superintendent of public instruction and a former Johnston County teacher. Johnston County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy will also speak, as will former JCEF scholarship recipients. Remarks will also be delivered by JCEF President Eric Brownlee.

Proceeds from the gala will go toward annual scholarships awarded by the JCEF and toward a grant program for teachers to help with programs in their classrooms. “We are revamping our grant program for 2022. Also, we will provide supplies for classrooms in the fall. We hope to be able to provide supplies for the second semester as well,” Peedin said. “All proceeds will go toward Johnston County Public School system needs to start in the fall.”

Hopefully, JCEF will be able to expand the grant program to not only support teachers with creative classroom projects, but also individual students, support staff and groups who are committed to education. The funding raised through the gala will also help the JCEF to continue its day-to-day support of teachers, students and staff in Johnston County. Peedin said she is hopeful starting the gala will jumpstart the foundation’s efforts. “We are trying to get more people interested in the success of Johnston County Public Schools. We want to be a leader in the school system,” she said. “We want to be able to help meet the needs of the growing population of Johnston County and the growing population of the school system.”

The JCEF, Peedin said, will definitely award scholarships this year. “Every high school announces the winners at their awards banquet. We work with the schools, particularly the counselors, and our scholarship committee,” she said. The foundation also supports the recognition of the Principal of the Year and the Outstanding Beginning Teacher of the Year. “We also support the Beginning Teacher Institute at the beginning of the each year. We also give grants to the Beginning Teacher of the Year recipient and runner-up,” Peedin said.

Peedin said because the gala will be its major fundraiser, the JCEF is hopeful of a good turnout. “This benefits the whole county, not just one area of Johnston County,” she said. “So far, commitments to sponsorships have been good.”Planning for the gala,

Peedin said, began in October 2021 when it was determined Showcase of Stars would be canceled. “We’ve been working on it ever since,” she said.

The planning committee has been made up of event chair and foundation board member Heather Moser, Peedin, and JCEF intern and Wake Forest University senior Hannah Hill.

There are sponsorship opportunities for businesses, as well as chances to donate items for the silent auction. All donations are tax deductible. “This is a great way to showcase the products or services your business has to offer while supporting a great cause,” Peedin said.

Sponsorships are available at several levels. Depending on the level of sponsorship, they can include exclusive “presented by” recognition, a one-time teacher grant in the company’s name, recognition by the master of ceremonies throughout the event, tickets and a reserved table, inclusion in a rotating logo display on auction software and digital screens and the company’s logo, name and link featured on the JCEF website and on social media postings.

No one will be admitted to the gala without a ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the foundation website at www.jcef.foundation or www. eventbrite.com. If using eventbrite.com, go to “browse events,” then to “pick a date” and then enter May 6.

For more information about the gala or the JCEF, visit the foundation website or contact Peedin at 919-934-7977.