To supplement the budgets teachers have to buy classroom supplies, the Foundation for Education Excellence will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 1.

Guests at “Jewels and Jeans,” set for 6-9 p.m. at the Country Club of Hilton Head, will enjoy delicious food, music by Hilton Head local favorites “Deas Guyz,” and silent and live auctions of gifts ranging from vacation and golf packages to original art, jewelry and local restaurant certificates.

Funds raised from the March 1 gala’s silent and live auctions will benefit the Foundation for Educational Excellence, which since 2009 has awarded $40,000 in grants to more than 100 Beaufort County teachers whose special classroom projects have enhanced the learning experiences of thousands of children.

As in past years, a special focus of the evening will be the presentation of the foundation’s 2014 Inspiration Award, given yearly to a person dedicated to public education and Beaufort County’s public schools who possesses attributes that inspire others to follow the same path.

This year’s recipient will be Candice Glover, the Beaufort High School graduate who captivated the nation last year as she rose through the ranks of talented contestants on FOX’s American Idol to win the title.

“We’re delighted to honor Candice with the 2014 Foundation for Educational Excellence Inspiration Award,” said Foundation Chairman Peggy May.

Tickets to “Jewels and Jeans” are $48 per person and can be purchased online at www.foundationedexcellence.com.
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