Clambake has been New College of Florida’s major scholarship fundraiser—and one of Sarasota’s most popular philanthropic events—for more than four decades.
(November 17, 2021) MaryAnne Young, executive director of the New College Foundation, announced that proceeds from the 42nd annual Clambake, New College of Florida’s signature fundraising event, raised more than $530,000—the most ever raised in the event’s history. Nearly 400 people attended Clambake on November 4 on New College’s bayfront campus.
According to Young, one hundred percent of the funds raised are directed to student scholarships.
“Scholarships are vital in making New College attractive to the best and brightest students, regardless of financial status,” says Young, adding that, while New College is public, state funding covers only a portion of what is needed to preserve it as an exemplary institution. The New College Foundation raises private funds through philanthropy, providing more than $2 million annually for student scholarships, faculty and student research, and campus enhancements. “Some of the most gifted students in our region, nation, and the world choose to attend New College, and about 90 percent of them receive financial aid. These scholarships open up the world to them.”
New College’s new president, Dr. Patricia Okker, said she was thrilled to attend her first Clambake. “It’s the best fundraiser I’ve ever attended. We all know that the reason we are here tonight is about scholarships. Scholarships change lives—and I know that firsthand. I would not have been able to go to college if I had not been given funds by people who did not even know me. People who give scholarships are a special breed. They put their faith in young people and in a liberal arts education. They are committed to the future.”
Clambake co-chairs Karin Gustafson and Priscilla and Jack Schlegel thanked the guests and said that it’s been a transformative time for New College Foundation.
“Despite the pandemic’s challenges, we marked the most successful fundraising year in our history,” said Jack Schlegel. “This magnanimous support came from New College’s dedicated alumni and our friends from the community. It also poured in from regional foundations, and from board leaders. That support is a ringing vote of confidence in New College’s mission and track record. More importantly, it empowers our future.” Schlegel reminded the guests that the important ingredient was them: “You define our success,” he said. “Each one of you shares our love of this extraordinary institution that started more than 60 years ago with a unique mission that has been carried through to this day.”
K.C. Casey, a third-year student spoke about how, without scholarships, they would never have been able to attend college. “College seemed like a long shot,” they said, recounting how they had become homeless after high school. Through help from the Education Foundation of Sarasota and the New College Foundation, they were able to pay for housing and attend New College. “I’m receiving an education I could not have dreamed of a few years ago,” they said. “I’ve finally found a home.”
For more information, contact New College Foundation at 941-487-4800 or via email at foundation@ncf.edu.
Captions:
- (Left to right): K.C. Casey (New College student and Clambake student speaker); Jack Schlegel (Clambake co-chair); New College President Patricia Okker; Priscilla Schlegel (Clambake co-chair); Karin Gustafson (Clambake co-chair); and Kevin Hughes (Associate Vice President of Advancement, New College Foundation) at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Donald Johnson and David Wilkins at the 42nd annual Clambake.
- (Left to right): New College student Adrienne Hill with Monica Van Buskirk (New CollegeFoundation board member), Dr. Richard Van Buskirk, and New College student Alyssa Boynton at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- (Left to right): Veronica Brady and Keith Monda at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Karen Stults and Daniel Stults (board president of the New College Alumni Association) at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Dennis and Graci McGillicuddy at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Nelle Miller and Dan Boxser at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Frank Brunckhorst and Christine Jennings at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- Guests enjoying heaping plates of lobsterat the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
- New College of Florida student volunteers Gillian Boll and Emy McGuire at the 42nd annual New College Foundation Clambake.
About New College of Florida
Founded in Sarasota, Florida in 1960, New College of Florida is a top-ranked public liberal arts college and the state’s Honors College of Florida. New College prepares intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement by providing a highly individualized education that integrates academic rigor with career-building experiences. New College offers 45 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences, a master’s degree program in applied data science, and certificates in technology, finance, and business skills.