Information / Education

Sweet Success: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-Themed Gala Raises Funds For Martin County Education

  • May 2026

Madison Adams, John Murphy, Corinne Murphy, Taylor Adams

Hundreds of people who support local schools, students and teachers went on a fantastical tour of their own at the Education Foundation of Martin County’s Evening of Excellence – Bids for Kids gala. Presented by Morganti, the event featured Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka’s magical chocolate factory. This elegant fundraiser, held at Harbour Ridge Country Club in Palm City, attracted a sell-out crowd and raised $200,000.

      “It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together to support our students and teachers,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. “Nights like this remind us that when a community invests in education, everyone benefits. The impact of this gala will be felt long after it ends.”

      The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, sponsored by Hedrick Brothers Construction, as guests walked through the candy-coated wonderland while perusing the largest silent auction on the Treasure Coast. They bid on more than 500 extraordinary treasures before professional auctioneer KC Daniel conducted an exclusive live auction that featured once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Auction items included gift baskets, vacation getaways, spa treatments, golf packages, jewelry, artwork, fishing charters and restaurant certificates. All proceeds support educational enrichment programming for students.

Carolyn and Bill Michaud posing with students Blake Kershanick and Lucas Gunn from Jensen Beach High School
dressed as Willy Wonka and Oompa Loompa, respectively.
Brad and Joanna Swanson, Bobby Pham
Brittany and Joel Spiece, Jessica Sines, Stephen Sines, Tara and Brent Martin, Kalie Jones and J.D. Lewis, IV

     

Chanda and John Leon
Kristen Clayton

Other top event sponsors included Croc Enterprises LLC; Gehring Group Brown & Brown Public Sector; Jacquin & Sons Construction; Keiser University; Proctor Construction; PBK; Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; AT&T; Tami Karol Insurance; FPL; Anthony D. George, Jr. P.A.; Meola Technology, Inc.; Treasure Coast Psychiatry; Conchy Joe’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar and The Dolphin Bar & Shrimp House; UDT; Florida Blue/USAble Life; STS Aviation Group; Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital; and SwissMango.             For information about the Education Foundation of Martin County, visit the website, http://www.EducationFoundationMC.org or call the office at (772) 600-8062