We are still buzzing with excitement and gratitude after an incredible celebration of A Gift for Teaching’s 25th birthday at the place where it all began – our original opening location on Corrine Drive in Orlando!
The evening was a tribute to the incredible journey we’ve embarked on over the past quarter-century, impacting teachers, students, and the community at large.
Even though the original store space is now Orlando Outfitters, we gathered next door at Redlight Redlight for a special gathering of nostalgia, fun, and heartfelt celebration. The space was filled with joy and memories as guests shared stories, laughs, and celebrated the transformative impact we’ve collectively achieved since 1998.
“We’re proud to join A Gift for Teaching for its 25th birthday celebration,” said Susan Montanez, Wells Fargo’s East Metro Orlando District Manager and A Gift for Teaching board member. “As The Bank of Doing, Wells Fargo is committed to putting people and communities first including contributing towards programs to help local students and teachers succeed. For us, doing goes far beyond the investments we make.”
Enjoyed throughout the event was a sampling for the senses, from delicious appetizers by Chef Jes and a talented team in Redlight Redlight’s new full-service kitchen to a brew of “Pencil Boy Pilsner” specially brewed for guests. Smiles and heartfelt connections were captured through the lens of Steven Miller Photography while talented caricature artists captured the joy of the celebration in personalized drawings and DJ Prosper with ES Broadcast Hire had everyone grooving with energy – all to create new memories of this remarkable milestone with current and past community partners, supporters, volunteers, Board of Directors, and staff.
“By supporting A Gift For Teaching, we are helping to ensure that students have the resources they need to excel academically and reach their full potential. We know that a well-equipped classroom can make a world of difference in a child’s education, and we are honored to be able to play a small part in making that happen. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of students and teachers in our community,” said Caroline Marte, Duke Energy Community Relations Liaison.
The evening concluded with inspiring words from our president of A Gift for Teaching, Jane Thompson and a celebratory toast by our founder, Gary Landwirth, taking everyone on a nostalgic journey through the early days of A Gift for Teaching and looking towards the future for the next 25 years of the organization.
To see the captured magic of the night, click here to view all the event photos.
This year-long celebration of our 25th birthday is still not over! A limited-time monthly matching gift opportunity to help take A Gift for Teaching into its next quarter century is still available: Learn about being a Classroom Hero today.
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Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Cheers to another 25 years of empowering educators and inspiring future leaders!
