Event raises more than $1.7 million in support of Glades Academy and Everglades Prep Academy students
West Palm Beach, FL — For hundreds of children in Western Palm Beach County, access to opportunity begins at school. Students from Pahokee, Belle Glade, and South Bay—many from low-income families facing significant economic and social challenges—find not only academic instruction but stability, encouragement, and hope at Glades Academy Elementary and Middle Charter School and Everglades Preparatory Academy Charter High School. An annual fundraising event, A Night of Great Expectations, hosted by Emilia Fanjul, is critical to sustaining life-changing programs and the comprehensive support systems that help students thrive.
Held on January 16, 2026, at Café Boulud in West Palm Beach, the cocktail reception, dinner, and live auction raised essential funds for the Glades Academy Foundation, which directly supports Glades Academy Elementary and Middle School and Everglades Preparatory Academy High School — two public charter schools in Pahokee founded by Emilia Fanjul. Together, the schools serve approximately 400 students in grades K–12, providing high-quality education, mental health support, and enrichment opportunities in communities with limited resources. Emilia Fanjul opened the evening by welcoming guests and reaffirming her long-standing commitment to the students and families the schools serve. She invited attendees to visit the campuses to experience the nurturing, student-centered environments she has helped build. Mrs. Fanjul is also a valued FCSA board member.
Three students—an eighth grader and two high school seniors—shared powerful reflections on how the schools have supported their academic growth, personal development, and aspirations for the future. Their stories illustrated the profound impact of consistent mentorship, dedicated teachers, and a school community that believes in their potential. Following the program, many guests engaged directly with school principals, teachers, and students to learn more about the schools’ mission and daily work. Precious Dawkins, an Honor Roll 8th-grade student at Glades Academy, thanked teachers — and her grandmother, Mrs. April Ridford, also Safe Schools Paraprofessional at the school — for guiding, motivating, and encouraging her. “This school has shaped not only what I know, but also who I am as a person…it’s more than a place where I go to learn; it is where I discovered my strengths, faced my challenges… grew more confident.”
Renowned auctioneer Tom Quick led the live auction, raising more than $1.7 million (and still counting) in support of the schools and their students. Proceeds from the evening will fund a licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Middle School College Tour, Career and Technical Education instructional staff, and other critical academic and wellness initiatives that remove barriers to learning and expand opportunity for students.
Emilia Fanjul concluded the evening by thanking her husband, Pepe Fanjul, for his unwavering support of the schools and their mission. Pepe underwrites the Café Boulud evening, ensuring that 100 percent of all funds raised—including dinner ticket sales and donations—go directly to educating and supporting the students the schools serve. Through support like this, the Glades Academy Foundation has been able to fund additional academic, social, and emotional programs that ensure students are prepared not only for graduation but for success in college, careers, and life.
Top photo: Mrs. Emilia Fanul with students from Glades Academy Elementary and Middle Charter School and Everglades Preparatory Academy Charter High School at the A Night of Great Expectations fundraiser.
Pictured: Glades Academy 8th grader Precious Dawkins with (left to right) April Ridford, her grandmother, and Deborah Norville, renowned journalist.
Pictured: Glades Academy 8th grader Precious Dawkins with Pepe Fanjul, who underwrote the evening, ensuring that 100% of all funds raised go directly to educating and supporting the students the schools serve.
