A Good Investment

Emeril Lagasse’s Evening for Education, held in November at Fish Out of Water, raised $143,100 and served as the official kick-off to the Investing in our Children, Community and Future Campaign — a $4 million effort to expand the top-ranked Seaside Neighborhood School to a comprehensive K-12 charter school system in South Walton County. Thanks to a few early lead gifts from 33 families, friends and corporate partners, the Seaside School Foundation has raised more than $2.3 million toward its goal.

During the kick-off celebration, Lagasse, along with Fish Out of Water’s Chef Brian Murray, prepared a gourmet meal for 89 guests. Seaside School Board member Jane Solomon began the evening by welcoming guests followed by a champagne toast by Lagasse and Murray. Fred Maglione, president of OmegaFi, discussed the history and progress of the Seaside School expansion effort and the ambitious capital campaign.

The campaign’s goal is to expand the high-achieving academic curriculum and success of the Seaside Neighborhood School to offer K-12 education for students in South Walton County. Plans include establishing a new elementary school campus and further expansion of the recently opened Seacoast Collegiate High School.

“Meaningful education for the children of South Walton County is a cause my wife, Alden, and I want to support in any way we can,” Lagasse said. “The Seaside Neighborhood School is doing incredible things for our community, and its programs should be expanded and available to more students. I’m proud of the money raised tonight, and I look forward to being a part of a successful campaign to enhance education in the community.”

For more information about the Investing in our Children, Community and Future Campaign, The Seaside Community Foundation and the Seaside Neighborhood School, visit seasideschoolfoundation.org.