By Hamilton Richardson
Elmore/Autauga News
Top Photo: Autauga County Commissioners enjoyed last year’s Tailgating for Education event
Education that is well-planned and well-funded is crucial to a successful school district and one organization that works diligently to help achieve that success with local partnerships and a lot of hard work is the Autauga Education Foundation, which is sponsoring an important event in August.
The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF), whose mission is to provide sustainable resources and build community support to ensure academic excellence and strong character development in Autauga County Schools, is partnering with the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2022 Tailgating for Education event. It will take place on August 22 at the R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Arena in Autaugaville.
Quincy Minor, AEF President, said that the event will continue the organization’s effort to assist the county’s teachers by offering grants.
“The teacher grants are important because they enable new programs in the classroom or extracurricular activities to enhance student academic achievement,” he said. “Autauga Education Foundation has given more than $440,000 to Autauga County Schools. Over the years, these funds have benefited the schools in a variety of ways. In the past few years, our donations have been in the form of individual teacher grants. The impact of our giving has allowed the teachers and schools to purchase items needed that otherwise would not have been possible.”
Minor said that one area where teachers need help is with new and innovative items for their classrooms.
“Having state-of-the-art equipment and tools, they are able to help their students achieve excellence in the classroom as well as have skills necessary to compete for academic scholarships and teaching them job-readiness skills,” the president explained. “Today, technology is present in all facets of the job market. By helping provide the tools necessary for students to acquire these skills, we are assisting in students developing a sense of pride in knowing they are educated and well-trained for their chosen career fields.”
All proceeds from the event at R.H. Kirkpatrick, which will begin at 6 p.m. with a barbeque dinner and a performance from local high school pep bands, will benefit teacher grants.
Tailgating for Education will feature special guest WSFA Sports Director Rosie Langello and attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from Autaugaville, Billingsley, Marbury and Prattville football coaches.
AEF is now accepting sponsorships for this event and there are three sponsor levels, all of which include dinner and reserved seating during the program. To become a sponsor, visit www.autaugaef.org/copy-of-events-i-programs or call 334-365-7392. Individual tickets will be available for purchase soon.
For more information, contact Prattville Chamber Marketing and Communications Director Allison Powell at 334-365-7392 or email apowell@prattvillechamber.com.
