On Thursday, March 3, 2022, Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) “set sail”
as host of Taste of Carmel, a community event featuring 48 local food
and beverage vendors, a diamond necklace and electric bike raffle, a VIP
party, and an impressive silent auction. More than 1,200 people
gathered to show their support for Carmel Clay Schools, and to
reconnect with friends and colleagues. Jeff Worrell served as the
Honorary Chair, as well as the event emcee, keeping guests engaged throughout the evening.
All in all, over $90,000 was raised to support Carmel Education Foundation’s mission of supporting
Carmel Clay students in academic achievement and lifelong learning. Jennifer Penix, CEF Executive
Director, shares that this total far exceeded their initial goals, and attributes the success to a dedicated
group of volunteers who worked tirelessly in the planning along with the enthusiastic support of the
CEF board of directors.
Penix says “Our three goals for this event were to elevate the guest experience from past
years, to broaden the awareness of CEF in our community, and to increase funding so that we
can better serve our students and teachers. Kudos to everyone who went above and beyond
to exceed each of these goals. It has been my pleasure to connect with so many new partners
and am grateful for their desire to enhance public education in our community.”
While the $90,000 net revenue is impressive, there are other numbers that shine just as bright. 37
sponsors provided monetary and in-kind resources with 23 of these companies being new CEF
partners. Additionally, 125 businesses supported the silent auction. This tremendous effort will pay
off in the implementation of a student grant program, additional funding for teacher grants and
student scholarships. Growing investments is also a top priority of the board of directors.
A special thank you to all our sponsors which include: State Bank, Citizen’s State Bank, Springhetti
Dentistry, CoasterStone, Oberer’s Flowers, City of Carmel, Fanning Howey, Finecraft Builders, Pyatt
Builders, The Skillman Companies, The Smart Pergola, Qtego, CSO, Dentistry on 116, Church Church
Hittle & Antrim Attorneys at Law, 185 Promotions & Apparel, Kroger Gardis & Regas, LLP, Clay Terrace,
Zotec Partners, Party Time Rental, Republic Airways and Lift Academy, The National Bank of
Indianapolis, Flanner Buchanan, College Tutors, Sun King Brewery, PIP Indiana, Rangeline Chiropractic,
Carmel Runners Club, VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm, Swift Solutions, Pro Service Plus, Metronet,
Current Publications, Jolene Broad Photography, Carmel Monthly, Good Day Carmel, Pedego Electric
Bikes, and Diamonds Direct.
Visit www.TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com to view event photos. The 2023 event date will be announced
later this month. If you are interested in being involved in sponsoring or planning Taste of Carmel
2023, or with Carmel Education Foundation in any capacity, contact Jennifer Penix at
jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us.
About the Carmel Education Foundation:
One of the oldest foundations of its kind, the Carmel Education Foundation was created to help Carmel
Clay students achieve their full potential. Since 1966, the Foundation has awarded over $2,100,000 in
college scholarships to Carmel High School seniors and over $850,000 in education grants to inspire
lifelong learning for Carmel Clay students. The Carmel Education Foundation is governed by a volunteer
board of directors who give their time and energy to accelerate the Foundation’s mission by funding
grants, awarding more than 80 scholarships annually and expanding resources for Carmel Clay Schools.