AEF champions funding for Autauga schools at A+ Banquet

Addie McCluskey

Elmore Autauga News

The Autauga Education Foundation (AEF) and Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the A+ Banquet, July 28, 2025, at the Prattville Marriott.

The A+ Banquet is an annual event where sponsors, elected officials, and members of the community come together for a social hour and dinner, typically with prestigious guest speakers who ignite interest in the event, to raise money for Autauga County Schools (ACS).

This year’s guest speakers were Wesley Britt, a former offensive tackle for the New England Patriots and standout player for the University of Alabama, and Mike Brock, a lineman on Alabama’s 1978-1979 National Championship teams under Coach Bear Bryant.

“Our schools are our past, present, and future, and anything we can do to help our teachers and students get the resources they need, we are in,” said Britt. “The neat thing about sports is that it brings people together, and we are here tonight to do that for a great cause.”

Brock agreed with Britt and gave credit to the organization that has spearheaded the event.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate,” said Brock. “There’s never enough resources to meet education’s needs, so I appreciate the Autauga Education Foundation putting on this event in support of our students and teachers.”

Prattville Baptist Health has been the title sponsor of the A+ Banquet for the past few years and another critical contributor to the success of the event.

“Education is the cornerstone for what we are looking for in the workforce,” said Tommy McKinnon, Vice President of Community Engagement for Baptist Health. “We are looking for the best and brightest to serve our patients, so this is a very, very important partnership for us.”

ACS serves over 9,000 students from kindergarten to 12th grade and is the 14th largest school system in the state. Despite being one of the lowest-funded school systems, students continue to excel in arts, technology, sports, and other extracurriculars. 

For more information, call AEF at 334-365-7392 or email [email protected].