The Education Foundation of Okeechobee’s 2024 Jail and Bail fundraiser raised over $12,000 for Okeechobee schools on May 17.
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OKEECHOBEE- The Education Foundation of Okeechobee’s 2024 Jail and Bail fundraiser raised over $12,000 for Okeechobee schools on May 17.
The fundraiser offered a unique twist on traditional fundraising by allowing community members to be “arrested” and “jailed” for a good cause. To secure their release, participants had to raise bail money through donations.
Wayne Morgan raised the highest bail, with $2,231, followed by Evan Neal with $1,500 and Micheal Cauley with $1,221.
Last year the title of Most Wanted Criminal was awarded to the “prisoner” who raised the highest bail. School Board chairperson Malissa Morgan was the top recipient of bail money, bringing in $7,520.
Education Foundation of Okeechobee executive director Alaina Barron presented Malissa with a plaque at the Okeechobee County School Board meeting on Dec. 12, 2023, commemorating her Most Wanted status.
“This was the only time I’ve ever been arrested,” said Chairperson Morgan after accepting the award. “But it was for an amazing cause and I’d do it all over again to raise money for the foundation. They do so much for our community, our students, and our schools.”
School Board member Christine Bishop earned the fourth highest bail this year, with $1,160.
The funds go to support the Education Foundation of Okeechobee and assist their mission to empower the teachers and students of the Okeechobee County School District.
