The Westfield Education Foundation (WEF) on Dec. 14 held its first-ever Bourbon & Bling event, a night of entertainment and fundraising, that culminated in a rare bourbon raffle that raised more than $42,000 – a new, single-event record for the foundation. Funds will go directly towards funding scholarships for graduating Rocks and supporting classroom initiatives for district teachers.
The event filled Moyer Fine Jewelers and featured bourbon tasting from Indiana Liquor Group, Jeff Loeser performing up-close magic, Westfield High School’s Signature Sound choir, a silent auction and appetizers prepared by the Westfield High School Culinary Arts program and Prime 47.
WEF Executive Director Ashley Knott said she is thankful for the community support.
“We are thrilled to have such an engaged and supportive community here in Westfield,” Knott said. “It’s the holiday season, everything is expensive, people might be traveling to see family, so there is every reason to hold tight to money. But, it makes me so proud that the community believes in our mission and wants to see our kids succeed so much that they are giving in record numbers.”
WEF’s mission is to empower and invest in Westfield students, teachers, and staff. To date, WEF has given out nearly $2 million in scholarships and grants to provide opportunities to help create lifelong learners.
Brian Tomamichel, who serves a dual role as a board member for WEF and the assistant superintendent for business and operations for Westfield Washington Schools, is keenly aware of the importance of this event.
“Westfield educators work extremely hard to meet the needs of all of our students,” Tomamichel said, “including the more than 720 new students who have enrolled in the last two years. As a nonprofit organization, events like this are critical to the foundation achieving its goals. These funds will have the potential to help every student become life-ready while also helping them continue their educational journey after graduation.”
Lauren Kasparian, marketing director for Moyer Fine Jewelers, said their team was honored to be a part of such an impactful event.
“We pride ourselves on really interacting with our community and the various philanthropic organizations that help enrich Westfield,” Kasparian said. “After speaking to Ashley [Knott] about this event, we knew that Moyer could assist in making the event even more successful. We are so proud of the impact the funds will have in our community, especially for the students and teachers in Westfield.”
WEF once again thanks the community partners who were integral in the success of this record-breaking event: Moyer Fine Jewelers, Indiana Liquor Group, Noble Wine & Spirits, Edgerock Development, Prime 47, WHS Culinary Arts – Foodies Rock, The Dalton Family, The Reiff Family, Deliberate Deception, WHS Signature Sound, Walmart, and all who participated by attending the event purchasing a raffle ticket.
For more information on the Westfield Education Foundation, visit wwswef.org.
Photos by David Dixon, Rocks Media House