The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosts 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala

The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools hosts 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala Nov 13, 2026 4 min read 1 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 2 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 3 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 4 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 5 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 6 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 7 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED 8 / 8 PHOTO PROVIDED [expand] close The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools proudly hosted its 40th Anniversary Celebration Gala on Friday, Nov. 6, celebrating four decades of impact and looking ahead to the future of education in the Lee County community. “The 40th celebration of The Foundation represented so much about what is good in Lee County!” said Marshall T. Bower, Esq., President and CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “We celebrated public schools, teachers, engaged business leaders, and, of course, students. Forty years of investing in our community’s greatest asset, our children, has paid off in huge dividends over the years. Students and families have “broken the cycle” of poverty. The teaching profession has been provided support. The cornerstone of a robust and viable community is a strong public education system. The Foundation has been contributing to this awesome cause for 40 years now, and our community is better off for it. Thank you!” The Academy Awards inspired evening brought together business leaders, educators, community advocates, Foundation Board Members, and supporters of public education from across Lee County. The event also featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, highlighting a business partner and individuals who have gone above and beyond to support Lee County public schools. Award Recipients • Best Supporting Business Partner Award: Avalon Engineering • Legacy Award: Dr. Gerald Laboda and Dr. Michèle Laboda • Legacy Award: Steve Shimp and Kevin Shimp • Lifetime Achievement Award: Cindy McClung • Homegrown Impact Award: Kyle DeCicco Guests enjoyed an evening of networking and celebration, complete with food and beverages, while honoring the award recipients, the foundation’s achievements, and the community’s contributions to education. “For 40 years, the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has made a lasting difference in the lives of students and educators, creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Noelle Branning, Board Chair of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “This special evening was not only a celebration of that incredible legacy, but also a tribute to the business and community partners who recognize that investing in education is an investment in the future of Lee County. As we celebrate all that we have accomplished together, we remain committed to building on that legacy and ensuring that future generations of students and educators have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.” Through the event, money was raised to support the Foundation’s mission of enhancing and enriching the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences. Since 1986, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of public education in Lee County through increased community involvement in and support for Lee County Public Schools. Local business and community leaders recognized that a quality public education system is the cornerstone of a strong local economy, which led to the formation of The Foundation. The purpose of every initiative of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for both students and educators. This event’s success was made possible through the generosity of the Best Picture Sponsors, Lee Health and Suncoast Credit Union, alongside many dedicated event sponsors, partners, and supporters. The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude for their vital support. About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at leeschoolfoundation.org , on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.