PALM COAST, Fla. – What grown up doesn’t occasionally fantasize about becoming the princess of her own story or the hero saving the day? On Saturday night that’s exactly what happened at the 15th Annual Josh Crews Gala when judges, elected officials, administrators, and business owners stepped onto the red carpet at Channel Side and into a world of magic, living their own fairytale, even if it was just for one night.
Organized by the Flagler County Education Foundation and a team of volunteers, the fairy godmothers smiled proudly throughout the night seeing the excitement on the faces of those assembled.
Wishes Granted
Each and every attendee grants a wish of their own with their ticket purchase, offering aspiring young writers in Flagler County schools a chance to become published authors. With writing clubs at all the schools, nearly 200 children participate in the creative writing exercises that result in the annual anthology published each year in the spring as part of the Josh Crews Writing Project.
Emceed by business coach Jay Scherr for the third year, he was humbled to take part in the evening’s festivities.
“It’s heartwarming and it’s an honor, it truly is,” said Scherr. “This is such a special event. There’s such a celebration this evening and it’s all about the kids.”
Once Upon a Time
As part of the tale from the start, Carla Cline couldn’t hold back the tears as she spoke from the heart during her speech. Afraid the original inspiration for the project would be lost as time passed, and interest would wane, the packed house and enthusiasm behind each meticulously selected costume reassured the co-founder that her friend, Josh Crews, would never be forgotten.
“This night I am realizing there are so many people here I don’t know and have barely met,” started Cline, explaining the story’s origin.
“My friend Josh died in a car accident and when we were all gathering in his honor, we were talking about starting a scholarship in his name. And then Joe Rizzo and I were in the leadership class and we had to do a community service project. We decided we would start the Josh Crews Writing Project,” she said through tears.
“So, the reason that you guys are all here in these amazing outfits tonight, is because we are celebrating creative writing and we are giving the opportunity for our kids in Flagler County to empower themselves through words.”
“It is wonderful to see the children excited about being published authors,” she said, thanking the evening’s guests. “You have no idea how many lives you’re reaching in our school and in our children’s lives.”
Gone, But Not Forgotten
Always part of the planning and celebration, Josh’s parents Scott and Melanie have both since passed, adding a bittersweet element to this year’s event. Photos commemorating good times had with Josh, his family and the event’s other co-founder, the late Joe Rizzo, brought smiles to the faces of friends.
Among those lifelong friends of the Crews family, it was only fitting that Mike and Michelle Morgan became the inaugural recipients of the Crews Legendary Honoree award. Michelle’s tears spoke louder than any acceptance speech.
The Show Must Go On
Helping carry the legacy of the Josh Crews Writing Project forward is Joe Rizzo’s wife, Teresa, a force of nature in the education field. As the executive director of the Flagler County Education Foundation, under her leadership the programs have not just continued grow, but flourished.
Reflecting on the passage of time, she was thoughtful, “I can’t believe it’s been 15 years. Carla is the roots of this and they’re strong roots. Losing Scott just a few months ago definitely just makes it even more important for us to continue this legacy.”
“And, what it’s doing for our kids in Flagler County. 188 students in the program. The book will be around 400 pages this year. It’s just absolutely incredible what we’re doing.”
Rizzo’s heart was bursting with gratitude for the Morgans and their commitment to keeping the Crews’ legacy alive.
“Michelle and Mike Morgan have been supporters of this event from the beginning and even the last couple of years with Scott, they were his anchors, some of his best friends. I know Mike had breakfast with him once a week and it really broke their hearts when he passed away. To honor them tonight was definitely special to Carla and I both. They have always kind of been those silent dancers and we knew it was time to put a spotlight on them.”
Recognized with an engraved award created by Dr. Chris Pryor, Rizzo knew it would be especially meaningful for those close to the Crews family.
“Scott owned the Bunnell Cyprus Mill so he was always about wood and natural textures and items, leather bound journals, and things like that. To have this piece done in a piece of oak and it be strong and done by someone locally, it just makes it so special.”
As for what comes next in the story of the Josh Crews Gala, the chapter closed on “One Upon a Quill: A Fairytale Night”, and Rizzo says excitement is already brewing around the 16th annual JDC gala.
“We’ve already got ideas for next year! From what I’ve heard from the little murmurs, I cannot wait.”
