FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dare Education Foundation's NY NY Dueling Pianos Fundraiser Sparks Unprecedented Community Support

The Dare Education Foundation (DEF) made history on February 9th with its inaugural fundraising event featuring Dueling Pianos. In a remarkable confirmation of the crucial role community support plays in shaping the education of Dare County's public school students, the evening brought together community partners and leaders, including Dare County Schools (DCS) Superintendent Steve Basnight and members of the Board of Education and County Commissioners.

Held at the iconic 108 Budleigh in Manteo, the electrifying energy of NY NY Dueling Pianos created a night of unparalleled excitement and philanthropy. With the generous contribution of sponsor, Kellogg Building Supply Company, alongside support from various businesses and donors, the event raised an astounding $37,000, which significantly helped to realize DEF's mission of providing exceptional education opportunities for all students.

The evening's festivities were not only about fundraising but also about recognizing and honoring the commitment of educators and students. Barbara Davidson, Executive Director of the Dare Education Foundation, expressed gratitude to attendees, emphasizing the collective power to foster a brighter future through education.

The event featured an exhilarating live auction led by Tony DiBernardo, with prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals, including Trio, Artemis Sportfishing, and Village Table and Tavern. Attendees enthusiastically participated, raising $5,525 to support classroom grants, professional development and scholarships.

A special moment of the evening was the Harmony Cabinets Carpentry Award, inaugurated to benefit Dare County Schools' carpentry programs and students. 
The award was a surprise for Manteo High School’s construction teacher Greg Hathaway who attended the event. This initiative symbolizes the enduring partnership between local businesses and educational institutions in Dare County. 

The climax of the night was the captivating performance by NY NY Dueling Pianos, which had guests dancing and singing along to iconic tunes. Requests from the audience raised an impressive $2,900, further amplifying the event's impact on Dare County's educational landscape.

Johanna's Catering, Shore Coffee Roasters, Benny Tesoro's Pizza, Duck Donuts, Lost Colony Brewery, Swells’a, Kiiind Cocktails, and a range of fine wines selected by Blue Point provided the perfect backdrop for the night.

As the curtains closed on this unforgettable evening, the Dare Education Foundation looks ahead with optimism and determination. With ongoing support from the community, DEF aims to raise $200,000 to continue enriching the educational experience for students across Dare County.

For those who missed the event but wish to contribute to this noble cause, donations can be made online at www.dareeducationfoundation.org/donate. Together, we can transform the vision of exceptional education into reality for every student in Dare County.

The Dare Education Foundation is grateful  to all of the businesses that contributed to this event:

Event Sponsor

Kellogg Building Supply

Platinum Sponsors 

Super Wings

Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty

Business Donors 

Fearing Family, 108 Budleigh

Paul Charron, Lost Colony Brewery

Sanctuary Vineyards

Shore Coffee Roasters

Tony DiBernardo

Tranquil House Inn

Duck Donuts

Food Lion

Walgreens

Shooters on the Beach

Woody Wood

Kiiind Cocktails

Johanna Lachine

Benny Tesoro’s Pizza

Metro Rentals

Swells’a

Auction Donors

Artemis Sportfishing

Trio

Melanie Day and Bob Howsare

Village Table and Tavern

Untucked, Duck

Blue Point

Swells’a Brewing

Zen and Zip

Blue Moon Beach Grill

Erin Jackson

JK’s 

Sugar Shack

H2OBX

Coastal Karak Touring Company

Shay Leslie Boutique

Modern Coastal Cookery

Bad Bean Baja Grill

SeaScape Golf Course

French Door

SeaCore