On March 9th, the Cherokee County Educational Foundation (CCEF) hosted its much-anticipated Celebration of Education Gala, drawing an astounding crowd of over 400 attendees. Held in the elegant setting of the Northside Cherokee Conference Center in Canton, this black-tie affair surpassed all expectations by raising nearly $200,000, marking the highest fundraising achievement in the event’s history.
The generous contributions garnered at this year’s gala, the most substantial in the CCEF’s 12 years of service to the Cherokee County School District (CCSD), will be directed towards supporting students, classrooms, teachers, and staff through Classroom Impact Grants and Special Project Grants.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support received, CCEF Executive Director Lisa-Marie Haygood emphasized the pivotal role of community backing in fostering educational excellence within the Cherokee County School District. She remarked on the early sell-out of tickets in January, a testament to the unwavering commitment to students and educators alike.
A poignant moment of the evening was the recognition of the 2024 Alumni of the Year recipients: businessman and philanthropist Ken White, from the Cherokee High School class of 1959, and School Board Member Susan Padgett-Harrison, representing the Cherokee High School class of 1970. Their commendable contributions to the community were celebrated amidst applause and admiration.
In a touching tribute, retiring Cherokee County Superintendent Brian Hightower was honored and presented with a retirement gift by CCEF Board President Billy Hayes, alongside Mike McGowan, CCSD chief of staff.
The gala, themed after the iconic Beatles, welcomed the renowned Liverpool Legends tribute band from Branson, Missouri, as its headline act, captivating attendees with their extraordinary performance. Festive décor by O’Brien Productions and delectable catering by 1885 Grill of Acworth complemented the evening’s vibrant ambiance.
Local talent added to the festivities, with performances by Ethan Senger and Kurt Lee Wheeler, each showcasing their unique musical styles to the delight of the audience. Emceed by Jamie Bendall of the Punchline Comedy Club in Atlanta, the evening featured a silent auction and a variety of engaging activities.
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Grateful for the invaluable support, the gala’s success was made possible by the generous sponsorship of MSSA-PBK-Atlanta architectural firm, underscoring the community’s unwavering commitment to the educational enrichment of Cherokee County’s youth.