VIP Pensacola at De Luna Winery
Jennifer Grove, KC Gartman & Becca Boles
Julie Sheppard & Quint Studer
Keith Hoskins & Mark Faulkner
Kellie Hardy & Bridgit Landingin
T
he Studer Community Institute and Quint Studer hosted the second
annual “Light Up Learning” fundraising gala at the Court of De
Luna event space behind De Luna Winery. This exciting and fun
event included music, early learning inspired food, a silent auction, a
live auction emceed by Marty Stanovich, and more. The entertainment was circus
themed and featured a stilt-walker, contortionist, magician and other amazing acts.
The local Mardi Gras Krewe of SWAT members were also in circus themed attire,
volunteering and serving guests.
Special guest speakers for the event included Pensacola native and Miami
Dolphins offensive lineman Josh Sitton, Fred Robbins, and Cody Whitehair. Some
of the live auction items included a Miami Dolphins package, Perfect Plain Grain
to Glass Beermaking Experience, Golf with Derrick Brooks, a very limited edition
pink driver signed by PGA pro Bubba Watson, and signed merchandise from NFL
players.
The event, held on June 21, supported the Institute’s work to build an Early
Learning City where every child has a chance to make the most of their lives. SCI’s
work focuses on increasing everyone’s knowledge about the importance of healthy
early brain development in the fi rst three years of life. In that critical window,
85 percent of the human brain develops, laying the basic wiring that helps make
children ready to succeed in school and in life.
Mark Ciano, Debbie Ciano & Hugh Patroni
photos & story by
Kristina Wright
16 | VIPPensacola.com
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7/25/18 1:46 PM