Palaniyandi Event Raises $55k for Brevard Schools Foundation
Funds benefit the Supply Zone for Teachers
Viera, FL – The Supply Zone for Teachers got a $55,000 boost from the 2nd Annual Sunset Moonlight & Music benefit hosted by Dr. Ravi Palaniyandi and his wife, Ambika Ravindran, held April 1st at their oceanfront home in Indialantic. A Night at the Pink Moon Lounge carried an old Hollywood club theme reminiscent of the days of Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Community Credit Union kicked off the fundraising with a $10,000 Ol’ Blue Eyes sponsorship.
“Proceeds from this event will help us narrow the opportunity gap for students who come to school with nothing,” said Janice Kershaw, Brevard Schools Foundation executive director. “Thanks to the tremendous support of donors, we’ve been able to increase by 11% the number of teachers served since last year’s event. We especially appreciate Ravi and Ambika’s generosity in opening their home again for this memorable event.”
Guests arrived via a Mercedes Sprinter shuttle provided by Mercedes Benz Porsche Audi of Melbourne and were greeted with champagne at the VIP Entrance. Dean Stewart Photography captured poses in front of a large pink moon. The Titusville High School Culinary Arts Program, led by Chef Tom Hietpas, delighted with their butler passed creations, piano man JD Daniel played familiar tunes and took requests, and Melbourne High School student vocalist Anja Conklin performed several jazz standards, including an Audrey Hepburn style rendition of Moon River, while playing her own guitar.
A silent auction, raffles, wine pull and dinner by Taste of India offered guests unique experiences. Plus, psychics Ellen Doreen, Kathryn Flanagan, Morgana Starr, The Angel Communicator and Psychic Angela from Chakra Spa offered readings on the second floor.
Special guests, Kristine Cohn from the Kids in Need Foundation, Golfview Elementary teacher Kevin Howkins and Brevard Public Schools homeless liaison Dr. Sally Shinn shared stories of the Supply Zone’s impact in preparing students to learn, helping make important connections between teachers, students and schools, and changing lives. Following their testimonials, Ravi’s father, 101-year-old Mr. Pillai, a former educator, presented a gift of $10,000 to the Supply Zone on behalf of Ravi and Ambika. He added that he is looking forward to next year’s event, which is scheduled for April 7, 2017.
In addition to Community Credit Union, other sponsors included Golden Era sponsors MTT Corporation, Dr. Aravind Kumar, Delaware North, Atlantic Development of Cocoa and Vintage Estate Homes. Crooners and Cocktails sponsors were Wickham Dental Care, TerraCom Direct, Oppenheimer Funds, Frank and Cathy Bright, and BIMDA. Smooth Jazz sponsors were Yvonne McGuire, RSM, Grimaldi’s, Jim and Marcia Ridenour, Tom and Susie Wasdin, Wuesthoff Health System, Dean Stewart Photography, Beach Organics Skin Care, Craig Technologies, Community Bank of the South, Ray Pfleuger, Florida Eye Associates, TLC Engineering, Widerman Malek P.L., Doctor’s Goodwill Foundation and Dr. Robert and Maria Seelman. Additional support was provided by Joann Miller, Glad Kurian and Carlos Padron.