The Education Foundation of Okeechobee's Jail and Bail fundraiser raised over $36,000 over the summer.
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OKEECHOBEE- The Education Foundation of Okeechobee Jail and Bail fundraiser raised over $36,000 over the summer.
The fundraiser offered a unique twist on traditional fundraising by allowing community members to be “arrested” and “jailed” for a good cause. To secure their release, participants had to raise bail money through donations. Multiple local figures offered themselves up for jail to raise bail money, including Miss Florida Taylor Fulford, NFL athlete Evan Neal, and various elected officials and business owners.
The funds went to support the Education Foundation of Okeechobee and assist their mission to empower the teachers and students of the Okeechobee County School District.
The original goal set for the Jail & Bail Fundraiser was $20,000, well below the eventual $36,000 raised by the community.
The title of Most Wanted Criminal was awarded to the “prisoner” who raised the highest bail. School Board chairperson Malissa Morgan was the top recipient of bail money, bringing in $7,520.
Education Foundation of Okeechobee executive director Alaina Barron was in attendance at the Okeechobee County School Board meeting on Dec. 12 to present Morgan with a plaque commemorating her Most Wanted status.
“This was the only time I’ve ever been arrested,” said Chairperson Morgan after accepting the award. “But it was for an amazing cause and I’d do it all over again to raise money for the foundation. They do so much for our community, our students, and our schools.”
Morgan also thanked her fellow board members who all participated in the Jail and Bail event and contributed to the fundraising total.
