RCA Board and Parents Come Together for a Worthy Cause

On Saturday, October 22 2011, the Ron Clark Academy Board of Trustees and Parents (RCAP) partnered to host the school’s first VIP Chautauqua Benefit. The event had all the makings of a VIP event: bright lights, cameras, music, and even a red carpet entrance!

As guests arrived decked in their chic attire, they were welcomed on the red carpet by RCA students singing traditional RCA chants and songs. Once inside, the free flowing set-up of the event allowed party-goers to customize their RCA experience. Some visited live classes taught by Ron Clark, Kim Bearden, Gina Coss and Ken Townsel. Others took advantage of a unique opportunity to spin the “Friend of RCA” wheel and become a “friend” of one of the school’s houses: Altruismo, Amistad, Isibindi, and Reveur. A range of silent auction items lined the hallway, enticing guests as they made their way around the school. Thanks to a generous donation from restaurants Smokejack and 52 Bistro, the aromatic smell of food filled the entire school and guests were able to partake in some of the best southern comfort food Atlanta has to offer.

Halfway through the night, the live auction commenced, and visitors battled to walk away with the top prizes of the night. An African safari adventure, a special private catered dinner with RCA co-founders Ron Clark and Kim Bearden, and a trip to New York to see a production of The Lion King were some of the coveted prizes.   

At the height of the excitement was a performance by the rock band Drivin ‘n Cryin. As they played some of their classic hits, the crowd was captivated by the smooth rock beats and southern charm of the band.

There were many people who helped to make the entire night a success in raising money for RCA student scholarships. Thanks to Steve and Mary Beecham for hosting the event; Equifax, Kilpatrick Townsend, Hometown Mortgage, AAA Parking, and Elite Status for serving as event sponsors; and the outstanding party committee and RCA parents who helped make the party a success. In addition, thanks to all of the event supporters who helped to make the night a success and our special invited guests for supporting the event: Donna Lowry (WXIA Channel 11), Glenn Burns (WSB TV Channel 2), Vivian Brown (The Weather Channel), N’Dea Davenport (Artist and Entertainer), Vernal Cambridge III (Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation), and Royal Ivey (NBA Player).