Celebrating more than 40 years of serving teachers and students in Broward County, Broward Education Foundation hosted the BrightStar Credit Union’s Fins Up: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett, presented by Broward Teachers Union at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort.
Parrotheads flocked to Broward Education Foundation’s signature themed event which paid tribute to the legendary Jimmy Buffett. It was Fins Up and a sea of Hawaiian shirts, colorful leis, straw hats and flip flops as Broward County Public Schools educators and administrators mingled with community partners during the ultimate island party.
Guests enjoyed a festive 5 O’clock Somewhere cocktail reception and amazing silent auction with a steel drum band playing in the background. The extraordinary night continued with a delicious dinner and dancing to a popular tribute band playing Buffett’s timeless hits including “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
A highlight on the night was an entertaining song and dance routine by the uber-talented Parkway Middle School students who performed a medley of Buffett’s iconic songs. Another moving portion of the evening was a tribute video recognizing Shea Ciriago, Broward Education Foundation’s president and CEO, who will soon be retiring.
“We are incredibly grateful to our many loyal partners and community supporters who enable us to raise much-needed awareness and funds to enrich education for students in Broward County Public Schools,” said Ciriago.
Proceeds benefit Broward Education Foundation’s transformational programs and initiatives for students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools. Each year, the Foundation contributes more than $4 million to support Broward County Public Schools.
Broward Education Foundation’s Fins Up sponsors included: BrightStar Credit Union, Broward Teachers Union, Amazon, JM Family Enterprises, Ed Morse Automotive Group, Gallagher, Davies, Moss Construction, Pirtle Construction, Hollywood Discount Liquor & Wine, Memorial Healthcare System, Jar Systems, Broward County Athletic Association, Broward Health, Broward County Public Schools Department of Applied Learning, Kelly Education, iHeartMedia, The Charter Schools of Excellence, Pierson Grant Public Relations, Centennial Bank, Cerra Enterprises, BECON TV, Broward County Public Schools Art Department, Dr. Valerie S. Wanza, Nova Southeastern University, Broward Principal’s and Assistant Principals’ Association and Sixth Star Entertainment.