On Thursday, March 3, 2022, Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) “set sail” as host of Taste of Carmel, a community event featuring 48 local food and beverage vendors, a diamond necklace and electric bike raffle, a VIP party, and an impressive silent auction.
More than 1,200 people gathered to show their support for Carmel Clay Schools and to reconnect with friends and colleagues. Carmel City Council member Jeff Worrell served as the Honorary Chair, as well as the event emcee, keeping guests engaged throughout the evening.
All in all, over $90,000 was raised to support CEF’s mission of supporting Carmel Clay students in academic achievement and lifelong learning. CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix said this total far exceeded the organization’s initial goals, and she attributes the success to a dedicated group of volunteers who worked tirelessly in the planning along with the enthusiastic support of the CEF board of directors.
CEF Executive Director Jennifer Penix and Taste of Carmel 2022 emcee Jeff Worrell both said this year’s event deserved two thumbs up. (Photo courtesy Amy Pauszek)
“Our three goals for this event were to elevate the guest experience from past years, to broaden the awareness of CEF in our community, and to increase funding so that we can better serve our students and teachers,” Penix said. “Kudos to everyone who went above and beyond to exceed each of these goals. It has been my pleasure to connect with so many new partners and am grateful for their desire to enhance public education in our community.”
While the $90,000 net revenue is impressive, there are other numbers that shine just as bright. A total of 37 sponsors provided monetary and in-kind resources with 23 of these companies being new CEF partners. Additionally, 125 businesses supported the silent auction. This tremendous effort will pay off in the implementation of a student grant program, additional funding for teacher grants and student scholarships. Growing investments is also a top priority of the board of directors.
A special thank you to all sponsors, which include: State Bank, Citizen’s State Bank, Springhetti Dentistry, Oberer’s Flowers, City of Carmel, Fanning Howey, Finecraft Builders, Pyatt Builders, The Skillman Companies, The Smart Pergola, Qtego, CSO, Dentistry on 116, Church Church Hittle & Antrim Attorneys at Law, 185 Promotions & Apparel, Kroger Gardis & Regas, LLP, Clay Terrace, Zotec Partners, Party Time Rental, Republic Airways and Lift Academy, The National Bank of Indianapolis, Flanner Buchanan, College Tutors, Sun King Brewery, PIP Indiana, Rangeline Chiropractic, Carmel Runners Club, VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm, Swift Solutions, Pro Service Plus, Metronet, Current Publications, Jolene Broad Photography, Carmel Monthly, Good Day Carmel, Pedego Electric Bikes, and Diamonds Direct.
Visit TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com to view event photos. The Taste of Carmel 2023 event date will be announced later this month. If you are interested in being involved in sponsoring or planning Taste of Carmel 2023, or with CEF in any capacity, email Jennifer Penix at jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us.
About the Carmel Education Foundation
One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, CEF has awarded over $2.1 million in college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors and over $850,000 in education grants to inspire lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students. CEF is governed by a volunteer board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate the Foundation’s mission by funding grants, awarding more than 80 scholarships annually and expanding resources for Carmel Clay Schools.