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Boca Raton, FL July 5, 2016 – Over 300 people gathered at Pinon Grill in Boca Raton on Thursday, June 30 at the 2016 Golden Bell Fundraiser. In celebration of Golden Bell’s 25th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of the Inner Circle Executive Club, the two joined forces to host a night of networking and fundraising to benefit the Boca Raton Public School System and local educational programs. Thursday’s fundraiser showcased over 60 generous sponsors and donors who contributed to premium raffle and silent auction packages. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers and a night of fun while supporting local education and bidding on their favorite prizes. Gift baskets ranged from hotel and spa visits, to fine dining at some of Boca’s best restaurants. The night ended in sweet success as over $5,500 was raised to support education at the event. Golden Bell’s Development Director, Jenna Reed, recapped the evening stating, “It’s amazing to see this level of support for Golden Bell. To be able to raise over $5,000 shows just how committed our community is to improving educational opportunities in Boca Raton.” In addition to the Pinon Grill Fundraiser, this year the Boca Chamber’s Golden Bell Education Foundation is pleased to announce that nearly $60,000 was granted to Boca Raton public schools and scholarship programs for the 2016-17 academic year. These funds, which will be distributed across 21 local elementary, middle and high schools, will benefit programs like YEA! (The Boca Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy) and will support education initiatives that are designed to better prepare our children for the future. Golden Bell is making a difference in Boca Raton. Reed states, “I’m very pleased with the results of our fundraiser. I’d like to thank all of our sponsors and donors and the Inner Circle Executive Club for their contributions in making it such a success. I’m excited to build on this event – to increase awareness and support for a program that is truly making a difference.” Looking ahead, there is no down time for Reed and Golden Bell. 2016-17 YEA! Applications are now open and the team is excited to get going on helping students launch their own real businesses. Contact Jenna Reed for more information on the program. ### About Golden Bell: The Boca Chamber’s Education Foundation, also known as Golden Bell, is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that was created for the sole purpose of supporting the Boca Raton Public School System, grades K-12. Founded by the Chamber's Board of Directors, the Foundation funds educational programs that promote business skills. Golden Bell has now granted more than $1.2 Million since its inception in 1991. Our commitment to improving educational opportunities is best exemplified by our programs like the Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!). About The Young Entrepreneurs Academy: The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking class that transforms middle and high school students into real entrepreneurs. The class (comprised of students ages 11-18) meets after school one day a week from September through May. Classes are held at our Saint Andrews School in Boca Raton. Through the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and actually launch and run their own real, legal, fully formed companies.