PALM COAST, Fla. – What began as an evening centered on gratitude, appreciation, and community ended with a celebration few could have predicted.
The Flagler County Education Foundation’s annual Impact Dinner not only met its ambitious fundraising goal—it exceeded it, raising an impressive $125,000 to support students, teachers, families, scholarships, literacy programs, mentorship opportunities, and classroom innovation throughout Flagler County.
Held under the theme “The Power of Thank You: From Land to Sea, Then to Now,” the event transformed the ballroom at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa into a reflection of Flagler County’s past, present, and future. Historical artifacts shared from the Flagler County Historical Society representing local classrooms through time stood alongside modern educational technology, creating a visual reminder of how far education has come while underscoring the community’s continued investment in future generations.
“We’re really celebrating Flagler County as a whole,” said Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director Teresa Rizzo. “What we’ve come from, what we are now, what we’re going to be. It’s encompassing all of our citizens, all of our community members from the land to the sea.”
Throughout the evening, one message resonated repeatedly – every person matters.
Rizzo thanked educators, mentors, volunteers, donors, community partners, and first-time attendees alike, emphasizing that each plays a vital role in shaping student success.
“The power of thank you is extraordinary,” Rizzo told the audience. “Because gratitude connects generations. Every scholarship awarded, every mentor match, every classroom supported, and every barrier removed for a student or a family—it all begins because someone cared enough to say yes.”
The evening highlighted the impact of education through powerful stories from students and community leaders.
Indian Trails Middle School student Victoria Burrata shared how writing has helped her find her voice. Inspired by her mother, Brittany Burrata, Victoria spoke about her dream of turning her poetry into a book and the support she has received through educational opportunities in Flagler County.
“The Education Foundation has helped in so many ways,” Victoria said. “I’ve already seen how helpful they can be to hundreds and thousands of students in Flagler County.”
Former student and incoming Education Foundation Board President Vincent Sullivan represented another side of that success story. A graduate of Flagler Schools and now a local attorney, Sullivan spoke about the importance of investing in the next generation.
“You heard from one of our students earlier,” Sullivan said. “They have a future, they have a vision. And it is because of folks like us that we help them achieve that vision.”
Adding perspective on the county’s growth, Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers reflected on Flagler County’s transformation over the past four decades while noting that its heart has remained unchanged.
“As long as we continue to invest in our children and believe in them, Flagler County will be way ahead of the competition,” Rogers said.
The evening’s keynote speaker, nonprofit leader and author Lisa Stueckeman, founder of Fundraising Rebel, challenged attendees to recognize the power of appreciation and gratitude. Guests participated in a special activity, writing personal notes of encouragement to educators across Flagler County—small messages designed to ensure teachers feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
As the night concluded, the Foundation revealed it had surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal by an astounding $25,000.
For Rizzo, however, the true success of the evening extended beyond the dollars raised.
“Whether you’ve supported us for years or you’re just learning about the Education Foundation tonight, please know this: each of you matters,” she said. “Your presence matters, and your support has the power to change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
In a room filled with students, educators, alumni, volunteers, and community champions, the message was clear: when a community comes together to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and valued, extraordinary things happen. And on this night, that collective commitment was worth $125,000—and counting.
