Charles Holzer’s Thoughts on the Glades Academy Foundation Gala
Proud to Support the Everglades Foundation Event – Charles Holzer with Mike Ramos and Debbie Fife without whom the event would not happen.
The recent “Night of Great Expectations” gala, held on January 17 at Café Boulud, was a resounding success, raising over $1 million for the Glades Academy Foundation Inc. charter schools. The sold-out event, founded and chaired by Emilia Fanjul, was underwritten by her husband, Jose “Pepe” Fanjul, ensuring that 100% of the evening’s proceeds directly benefit the foundation’s educational initiatives.
A highlight of the evening was the live auction conducted by Jamie Niven, chairman of Sotheby’s, The Americas, which significantly contributed to the night’s impressive fundraising total. The Glades Academy Foundation Inc. is dedicated to promoting quality public education in Florida by supporting charter schools such as Glades Academy, Inc. and Everglades Preparatory Academy, Inc., both located in Pahokee, FL. These institutions serve students from kindergarten through high school, providing rigorous academic programs and a safe, nurturing environment for over 350 students annually.
The success of the “Night of Great Expectations” gala underscores the community’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students in disadvantaged areas of Palm Beach County. The funds raised will be instrumental in supporting academic programs, purchasing educational materials, and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities for these charter schools.
The Everglades is a unique and essential ecosystem, often referred to as a “River of Grass.” It provides drinking water to over 8 million Floridians, supports a vast array of plant and animal life, and plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Protecting the Everglades is not just a local issue; it’s a matter of global importance.
The Everglades Foundation, established in 1993, remains at the forefront of the effort to restore and protect this natural wonder. Through scientific research, strategic advocacy, and comprehensive education programs, the Foundation works tirelessly to ensure the long-term health of the Everglades. Their team of Ph.D-level scientists provides expert guidance on policy issues, promoting a deep understanding of this invaluable ecosystem.
The ForEverglades Benefit is a crucial fundraising event that directly supports the Foundation’s multifaceted efforts. Funds raised during the evening will contribute to ongoing scientific research initiatives, policy analysis aimed at promoting responsible environmental stewardship, and educational programs designed to inspire future generations of conservationists. Every contribution, large or small, plays a vital role in safeguarding the Everglades for years to come.
The success of ForEverglades 2025 is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our community to conservation. But the work doesn’t stop here. The need to protect and restore the Everglades remains as urgent as ever.
Let us continue to support The Everglades Foundation in their mission to ensure that this natural treasure thrives for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference.
– Charles Holzer