A Foundation spokesperson, New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation, said the foundation’s 14th gala expects to net about $205,000 and drew almost 500 people, including more than 50 teachers.

The spokesperson said the event produced the foundation’s second-highest paddle raise, bringing in more than $82,000, and that overall proceeds will net about $205,000. “It was an opportunity for us to showcase the talents that we have, and it was just a way for the community to come together and give back,” the Foundation spokesperson said.

The foundation representative told the meeting the gala was its fourteenth and that the organization has operated for 20 years. “To see the incredible work my amazing committee puts into this and to see the crowd of almost 500 individuals from the community coming out to support the foundation and all of our work, it was a powerful night,” the spokesperson said.

Those funds, the spokesperson said, will allow the foundation to continue supporting teachers and to plan for future programming, though the spokesperson did not specify particular grants, programs, or a spending timetable. The transcript records no formal motions, votes or staff directions tied to the gala proceeds.

The foundation emphasized broad community and business sponsorship support at the event. The spokesperson said the gala’s results were “an exciting time” and a reminder of local backing for public education.