***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
December 1, 2021
Carmel Education Foundation
515 E. Main St., Ste. 124
Carmel, IN 46032
www.ccs.k12.in.us/foundation
317-844-9961 x2680
Contact: Jennifer Penix, Executive Director
Jpenix1@ccs.k12.in.us
Giving Tuesday was extra special this year for Carmel Education Foundation (CEF), thanks to Citizens State Bank signing on as the 2022 Taste of Carmel Event Design Sponsor. Melissa Volz-Smith, AVP Banking Center Manager & Regional Mortgage Loan Officer, presented a $5,000 check to Jennifer Penix, Executive Director, CEF, and Holley Rubenstein, Chair, Taste of Carmel, on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. As the design sponsor, Citizens State Bank, located at 902 S. Rangeline Road, will help transform 502 East Event Centre to capture the “Sail Away” theme of the event on March 3, 2022.
Melissa Volz Smith has a special connection to CEF having served on the Board of Directors and as President from 2019-2020. Her passion for community involvement is evident, and Citizens State Bank shares that value with their mission of helping their clients, communities, and co-workers succeed. Volz-Smith says “The partnership between Citizens State Bank and CEF is important in our mission to support our community, and we recognize that the families, students, and staff of Carmel Clay Schools are a significant part of the Carmel community. We are thrilled to serve as a premier sponsor for this popular event and to building our partnership with Carmel Education Foundation.”
Pictured: Jennifer Penix, CEF, Melissa Volz-Smith, Citizens State Bank, Holley Rubenstein, Taste of Carmel
As the non-profit funding partner of Carmel Clay Schools, CEF, raises funds through events like Taste of Carmel to provide teacher grants, scholarships, and programs benefiting Carmel Clay students, staff, and families. Although this will be the 18th annual Taste of Carmel, this is the first year CEF will be presenting it. Formerly run by Orchard Park Elementary, CEF adopted the event when Orchard Park closed in May, 2021. By doing so, CEF is able to expand the impact of this event to benefit all 15 Carmel Clay Schools.
Visit www.TasteOfCarmelIndiana.com for event information and additional sponsor opportunities. Tickets will go on sale in January, 2022 and are $60 for general admission, and $1,000 for a table for ten. Guests will enjoy food and drink from 40+ vendors, “sail away” entertainment, a premiere silent auction, raffle, and the spirit of our community supporting public education.
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.