The 2016 Oscar-themed fundraising event took place at the exquisite home of Richard and Mary Ellen Krakowski in Lakeland’s Grasslands Saturday evening. The cocktail-chic affair not only served as a way to raise scholarship funds for deserving LRC students, but also served as the center’s 40th Anniversary celebration.
 
Over the course of the evening, guests were able to view and bid on an array of items showcased throughout the house while enjoying savory hors d’ouvres from Terrie Lobb Catering, libations by Head Over Heels Bar and live entertainment from The Sofa Kings. Jennifer Leigh of New Channel 8 hosted the affair as the Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced LRC star students Jaylen Arnold and Jaylaycia Lewis. LRC also recognized past and present board members with medals in celebration of the nonprofit’s 40 year-history and named GiveWell Community Foundation the For the Love…of Learning 2016 Honoree.
 
While LRC is still working on the numbers, it appears the organization is well on its way to surpassing 2015’s fundraiser earnings of more than $21,000 in scholarship funds that assisted more than 25 deserving students.
 
LRC is grateful for all of the generosity and support that went into making the event a success and is elated for the ability to continue assisting deserving students in this way that the community has helped make possible.
 
 
 
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Celebrate the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc.’s 40th Anniversary while helping children and families in the community at the annual For the Love…of Learning benefit this Saturday from 7-10 p.m.
Screen shot 2016-02-18 at 5.18.58 PM
 
The Oscar-themed event, aimed at raising scholarship funds for deserving LRC students, will take place at the exquisite home of Richard and Mary Ellen Krakowski in Lakeland’s Grasslands and will feature entertainment from The Sofa Kings, Hors d’oeuvres by Terrie Lobb Catering , host Jennifer Leigh of News Channel 8, libations by Head Over Heels Bar, and a world-class silent auction.
Screen shot 2016-02-18 at 5.19.09 PM
 
Attendees will find an eclectic mix of auction items showcased throughout the evening. Items, trips, packages and services such as a one-week getaway to North Carolina, Chef’s Table for Two at the Terrace Grille, Lone Palm Golf Club foursome, Disney Park Hopper passes, and Payne Air Conditioning & Heating preventative maintenances will be up for bid.
 
Other highlights will include a look at LRC’s 40-year history, recognition of past and present board members, and the 2016 Honoree presentation honoring GiveWell Community Foundation. Florida Southern College, Polk County Public Schools, United Way of Central Florida, Publix Super Markets, Inc., and Junior League of Greater Lakeland make up past years’ honorees.
 
Guests can purchase tickets to the benefit on LRCLoveofLearning.com for $65.00. Other ways to support the cause include becoming a sponsor, bestowing a scholarship, donating a silent auction item or contributing to the LRC Endowment Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation.
 
Those interested in sponsorships and donations should contact LRC Executive Director Dr. Pam Craven by email, PamelaC@LRCPolk.com, or phone, 863-688-9477.
 
 
Related Posts:

 

The Learning Resource Center’s For the Love…of Learning 2016 Honoree is GiveWell Community Foundation, and this year’s honoree more than surpasses the requisites for this annual award.
GiveWell_Nameplate_2c
 
The recognition was established six years ago to showcase outstanding community organizations or individuals who have made a significant impact on education in Polk County, and who have provided unwavering support to the Learning Resource Center.
 
Through its Impact Grants, its professional financial training, and its continued support, GiveWell (formerly Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland) has helped LRC and fellow nonprofits grow, maintain, and sustain to meet the needs of the Polk County communities.
 
We are honored to present GiveWell Community Foundation as our 2016 Honoree at Saturday’s For the Love…of Learning benefit.
 
Past Honorees include: Florida Southern College in 2015, Polk County Schools in 2014, United Way of Central Florida in 2013, Publix Super Markets, Inc. & Publix Super Markets Charities in 2012, and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland in 2011.
 
 

For the Love…of Learning is just days away, as the 2016 will take place on Saturday, February 20. One of the main attractions of the annual fundraiser will be the silent auction. We are especially excited about this year’s auction because it will feature an eclectic variety of gifts that will capture the interest of art aficionados, pet lovers, sports fanatics, food enthusiasts, adventure seekers and others.
 
To build the anticipation for the upcoming For the Love…of Learning silent auction, we thought we would give you a sneak peek of some of the items that you’ll be able to bid on!
 

Silent Auction Preview

Art

  • Robert Butler print ($165 value)
  • Two photographs by Wes Crowley
  • Painting of George Jones ($400 value)
  • Brooke Pottery dish ($50 value)
  • Quilted lap quilt ($45 value)
  • Two Gilt-Framed Anget Pictures ($50 value)
  • Signed Lolita wine goblet ($50 value)

Sports

  • Golf certificate for four at Lone Palm Golf Club ($375 value)
  • TOP Golf gift certificate
  • Chris Sale autographed baseball ($150 value)
  • Tampa Bay Rays autographed baseball by Enny Romero ($50 value)

Dining

  • Chef’s Table for Two at the Terrace Grille ($250 value)
  • Il Forno Italian restaurant gift certificate ($50 value)
  • Rib Crib catering for 10 ($100 value)
  • Cajun Dinner
  • Six Jars Sauce

Events & Travel

  • Three night stay at Longboat Key, FL condo ($500 value)
  • One week stay at Highlands, NC home
  • Brooks Brothers leather carry-on luggage piece ($498 value)
  • Four Disney One-Day Park Hopper passes ($620 value)
  • Two tickets to the Wine Festival of Central Florida ($140 value)
  • Eight tickets to Peter Pan at Lakeland Community Theatre ($176 value)

Television

  • 55” LG Flat Screen Smart TV ($571.19 value)
  • 48” Haier LED HDTV ($350 value)

Gift Baskets and Packages

  • SUN ‘n FUN package (2 admissions, 1 framed poster, 2 shirts, 2 hats) ($110 value)
  • Mikasa Countryside package ($100 value)
  • Pampered Pet basket ($50 value)
  • Giggles and Kids basket ($75 value)

Books

  • Three autographed books by Tom Corcoran ($60 value)
  • A Pizza the Size of the Sun– book ($18 value)
  • Read All About It!-author autographed book ($18)

Services

  • Aquatic Therapy Sessions ($600)
  • Photography session ($175 value)
  • Bridge lessons for eight ($150 value)
  • Three days boarding & one full grooming at Sunny Days Pet Resort ($118 value)
  • Two preventative maintenances for Residential Air Conditioning Systems ($190 value)
  • Southside Cleaners gift certificate ($160 value)

Miscellaneous Items

  • Miter saw ($209.95 value)
  • Pearls from Marshall’s Jewelers ($150 value)
  • Stationery Loft gift card and item

 
Be sure to attend the event on February 20, 2016 to see all of the items up for bid and to win your favorite items! Tickets are available at LRCLoveofLearning.com.
 
If you are interested in donating an item to our silent auction, please fill out the form LRCLoveofLearning.com/silent-auction or email RebeccaT@LRCPolk.com.
 
 
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The new SAT will begin on March 5, 2016. Are you ready to ace it?
 
Tackle the exam with our SAT Preparation course, which has been updated to match the new test.
 
First, take a look at what the test will include and what changes you should expect.
 
The new SAT will include four parts (reading, writing and language, math, and the optional SAT Essay), have a 400-1600 score scale, last 3 hours and 50 minutes with the SAT Essay (or 3 hours without) and contain 4 answer choices. Different from past tests, the updated test will better reflect what students are learning in class as well as will not include SAT vocabulary, not penalize for guessing, focus on math that matters most and allow the essay as optional.
 
While the new SAT will be more focused, clear, and useful, we encourage students not to take it lightly and to thoroughly prepare for the exam.
 
To ensure that you are prepared, register today for the next SAT Preparation session, beginning February 9 at the Learning Resource Center in Lakeland.
 
February 9-March 3, 2016

Math: February 9, 16, 23, & March 1
Critical Reading: February 11, 18, 25 & March 3
Essay Writing: February 20
SAT Date: March 5

 
This course will provide small classes with highly trained teachers, problem-solving strategies for analyzing and answering SAT questions, practice taking SAT tests, emphasis on test-taking techniques and strategies specific to the SAT that help build confidence and reduce test anxiety.
 
Registration is open, so don’t delay. The cost of the full course is $440, which includes all subjects. The cost for one subject is $195. The cost of just the one-day writing course online is $65. Fee reduction is also available based on family income. Call us at 863-688-9477 to learn more about our sliding fee scale. Register for SAT Prep today.
 
 
The Learning Resource Center of Polk County Inc. offers SAT preparation courses throughout the year, and will continue to offer the most up-to-date information and strategies to help students achieve their best score on the test. For more on LRC’s SAT Preparation, please visit LRCPolk.com, and inquire about the Sliding Fee Scale.
 
 
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In the month of December, Learning Resource Center students received 1,152 hours of tutoring, bringing the Year-To-Date Total to 5,686 hours (please note that the YTD total starts over in July). New and ongoing students tutored during the month of December equaled 348 students.
 
December 2015 Tutoring Hours Infographic
 
Thanks to all of our tutors and students for your time, efforts, and hard work. It’s paying off!
 
If you’re interested in participating in One-to-One Tutoring, please visit LRCPolk.com/programs/one-to-one-tutoring.
 
 
Related Posts:
May 2015 Tutoring Report
June 2015 Tutoring Report
July 2015 Tutoring Report
September 2015 Tutoring Report
October 2015 Tutoring Report
November 2015 Tutoring Report

These three local celebrities will be in attendance at our 2016 fundraising event For the Love…of Learning on February 20, 2016. We hope that you will join us as one of our honored guests. For more details or to purchase tickets, visit LRCLoveofLearning.com.
 

Jennifer Leigh

wfla.com/author/jennifer-leigh

WFLA.com/author/jennifer-leigh


LRC’s own Jennifer Leigh of WFLA-Ch. 8 News Team will host the For the Love…of Learning 2016 program. Jennifer has graced the LRC event stage for more than 10 years, bringing her passion for education, love for children, and dedication to Polk County.
 

Jaylen Arnold

Photo: Facebook.com/JaylensChallengeFoundation

Facebook.com/JaylensChallengeFoundation


Jaylen Arnold, an incredible LRC student, will be in attendance. Jaylen is the inspiration for Jaylen’s Challenge Foundation, winner of the World of Children Youth Award, and a recipient of Ellen Degeneres’ Surprise Donations.
 

The Sofa Kings

Facebook.com/thesofakings.fl

facebook.com/thesofakings.fl


The Sofa Kings, an LRC favorite band, will provide an entertaining mix of pop, southern rock, and fan favorites for party-goers’ listening and dancing pleasure. This high-energy band always provides exciting entertainment.
 
 
Please join us for an enjoyable evening of cause and celebration. We hope to see you on February 20, 2016!
 
Have you already purchased your tickets onLRCLoveofLearning.com? Let us know by joining our Facebook event page.
 
 

LRC has the unprecedented opportunity to log over 200 volunteer hours during this year’s signature Bar-B-Q weekend.
pigfestlogo
 
LRC’s assignments include the VIP Sponsors’ Party on Thursday, January 27, and the team breakfasts on Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29. This year, however, LRC is also assigned to operate the 8-passenger golf carts which help shuttle people, equipment, and supplies on all three days. Two golf carts will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday. LRC drivers will also operate 5 golf carts every hour from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday.
 
PigFest proceeds will be divided between the participating non-profits based on the number of hours worked.
 
If you are interested in volunteering with LRC at PigFest, please email RebeccaT@LRCPolk.com.
 

About PigFest

 
The 20th annual event opens to the public on Friday, January 29 from 5-10 p.m. and continues through Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Tigertown in Lakeland. Over 150 competition barbecue teams will participate. Stop by for savory cuisine, lively entertainment, and a whole lot of fun!
 
pigfest flyer
 

Celebrate the Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc.’s 40th Anniversary while helping children and families in the community at the annual For the Love…of Learning benefit on February 20, 2016.
lrc web graphic cordially invites
 
Join this evening of celebration and cause with festivities that include entertainment from The Sofa Kings, a world-class silent auction, and food catered by Terrie Lobb with the purpose of raising scholarship funds for students enrolled in LRC programs.
 
The Polk County nonprofit hopes to top 2015’s fundraiser, which raised over $21,000 in scholarship funds and assisted more than 25 deserving students.
 
This year’s event will take place at the spectacular Krakowski Family Home in Lakeland’s Grasslands from 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Jennifer Leigh of Channel 8 News will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.
 
Guests can purchase tickets to the benefit on LRCLoveofLearning.com for $65.00 (or $50.00 for LRC employees). Other ways to support the cause include becoming a sponsor, bestowing a scholarship, donating a silent auction item or contributing to the LRC Endowment Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation.
 
Those interested in sponsorships and donations should contact LRC Executive Director Dr. Pam Craven by email, PamelaC@LRCPolk.com, or phone, 863-688-9477 or send a submission at LRCLoveofLearning.com.
 
 
Thanks to our current sponsors: Publix Super Markets Charities, Harrell’s, Drs. Dorsey & Sandy Hightower, Hunt & Mary Berryman, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and Citizens Bank & Trust.
 
 
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Make sure you’re prepared for the ACT and/or SAT. We’ve listed the 2016 dates and deadlines all in one place to make it easier. Scroll below to find the test date that works best for you.
 
Click here for 2017 ACT & SAT Dates
 

ACT

[table]
Test Date,Registration Deadline,Late Fee Required
February 6,January 8,January 9-15
April 9,March 4,March 5-18
June 11,May 6,May 7-20
September 10,August 5,August 6-19
October 22,September 16,September 17-30
December 10,November 4,November 5-18
[/table]
Make sure you’re prepared for the exam you choose with ACT Preparation.
ACTstudent.org
 

SAT

[table]
Test Date,Registration Deadline, Late Mail Deadline, Late Phone/Online Deadline
January 23,December 28,January 12, January 12
March 5,February 5,February 19,February 23
May 7,April 8,April 22,April 26
June 4,May 5 (mail) May 11 (phone/online),May 20, May 25
October 1,September 1,September 13,September 20
November 5,October 7,October 18,October 25
December 3,November 3,November 15,November 20
January 21, December 21,January 3, January 10
[/table]
Ensure that you’re ready to take the exam of your choice with SAT Preparation.
 
Find out what to expect with the new SAT, which begins March 5, 2016.
SAT.collegeboard.org