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Press Releases

One-of-a-Kind Children’s Art Auction Returns May 24

20 Business & Community Leaders to Receive Public School Alumni Achievement Awards

5/8/2012

MIAMI – Christie’s andSotheby’s may have the corner on auctioning Reniors and Monets, but on May 24^th from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, The Education Fund’s Charity Auction is the place to be if you want to bid on masterpieces by Albert, Ivan, Christi and hundreds of others – all 5 to 18 year olds who are poised to be the next Picasso. Guest participation also ensures these talented kids receive the support they need as 100 percent of the proceeds from art sales are donated back to their classrooms in order to help their teachers purchase supplies for next year’s lessons.

Given recent research that shows art classes teach critical problem solving skills needed for success in business, attendees may also be helping to develop Miami’s future CEOs like the ones being honored that night as The Education Fund’s Public School Alumni Achievers, including Rick Hirsch, managing editor of The Miami Herald; Stephen Bittel, Founder & Chairman of Terranova; and Representative Michael Bileca, Florida House of Representatives, Rachael A Sapoznik, President & CEO of Sapoznik Insurance & Association, Inc., Albert Dotson, Jr., Partner at Bilzin Sumberg, and 15 others (see page 2 for complete list).

Held in the historic Moore Building in the epicenter of Miami’s art and design community, The Education Fund’s ‘Art of Found Objects’ Charity Auction will showcase more than 150 one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork created by Miami-Dade County public school students and teachers representing nearly 50 schools. This exclusive event has raised more than $722,000 since it began by combining the power of a child’s imagination with the ultimate recycling program. Much of the artwork is crafted from materials “found” at The Education Fund’s Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials, a “free supplies for classrooms” program. Stocked with supplies donated by businesses, the Ocean Bank Center is where 15,000+ teachers have shopped free-of-charge since 1993, garnering $6.4 million in supplies needed for student lessons.

In the wake of massive school district budgets cuts, the budgets for local schools have been slashed. “These cuts have a direct impact on schools’ supplies, making classes like art, which depend on hands-on materials, much more difficult to teach,” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund, a 26-year old non-profit, that works side-by-side with the private sector in Miami-Dade to ensure every child has the education needed to reach their full potential. “How can you teach a child to paint if you don’t have paint brushes?”

“We have long supported ‘The Art of Found Objects,’ because we understand the intricate connection the arts play in the overall development of a child,” said Modesto Abety, President/CEO of The Children’s Trust. Indeed, The Children’s Trust houses one of the largest collections of artworks purchased from the event.

In addition to the silent auction, the event will feature live music, an open bar by Bacardi, an epicurean feast provided by Whole Foods, as well as the opportunity to bid on luxury items like vacations, jewelry, dining experiences and more. “Key sponsors like Ocean Bank, The Children’s Trust, Whole Foods, DACRA and Bacardi make it possible to hold this unique fundraiser to help our public school students,” said Lecht.

Yearly, an A-list crowd turns out for the epic evening, comprising notable art collectors, artists, community and business leaders, as well as politicians. Past attendees include: Artist Xavier Cortada, Emmy-Award winning anchor of CBS4 News Shannon Hori; Myrna Palley, whose world-class glass art collection is on display in its own wing at the Lowe Art Museum; Federal Reserve Regional Executive Juan del Busto, Pinnacle Housing CEO Louis Wolfson, the Ziffs, School Board Member Raquel Regalado, TV & Radio Personality Jimmy Cefalo, Real Estate Executive Hank Klein, and many more.

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Linda Slote Quick Bernstein, President, South Florida Hospital & Healthcare Association

·Brett Beveridge, Founder & CEO, The Retail Outsource

·Representative Michael Bileca, Representative, Florida House of Representatives

·Stephen Bittel, Founder/Chairman, Terranova Corporation

·Maria Del Busto, Chief Global Human Resources Officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises, LTD

·Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Partner, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axlerod LLP

·Jose M. Hevia, Jr., President/CEO, Aligned Partners

·Rick Hirsch, Managing Editor, The Miami Herald

·Kimberly Hutchinson, Director, Casa de Campo

·Alina T. Hudak, Deputy Mayor/ County Manager, Miami-Dade County

·Fedrick Ingram, Secretary/Treasurer, United Teachers of Dade

·Ralph Gonzalez Jacobo, Executive Vice President, Ocean Bank

·Basil T. Khalil, Vice President, FedEx Express

·Roberta Kressel, Senior Vice President, TD Bank

·Aletha Player, Area Manager, Florida Power & Light Company

·Stan Rubin, Executive Vice President/ChiefFinancial Officer, Ocean Bank

·Adalio Sanchez, General Manager, IBM Corporation

·Rachael A Sapoznik, Sapoznik Insurance & Association, Inc., President and Chief Executive Officer

·Victoria E Villalba, President, Victoria & Associates Career Services

·Carol Wyllie, Executive Vice President, Graham Companies

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Event Sponsors: Ocean Bank, The Children’s Trust, Whole Foods, DACRA, and Bacardi

The Education Fund Celebrates the Winners of The Art of Found Objects Exhibition

3/26/2012

MIAMI (March 26, 2012) – The Education Fund awarded $2700 in prizes to the winners of the Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials 19^th Annual Art of Found Objects Exhibition. (View the winning artwork)

The winners were announced at the opening night of the annual exhibit held on March 22 at Ocean Bank, 780 NW 42^nd Ave., in Miami, by Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund, Cheryl Rees, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Ocean Bank and Jackie Colyer, director of neighborhood and community services for The Children’s Trust.

Students, parents, and school administrators filled the spacious Ocean Bank lobby to see this year’s entries in the recycled art competition. The exhibit showcases the creativity of both students in Miami-Dade public schools as well as teachers. Each artist used materials found at The Education Fund’s Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials in their work. The warehouse stocks excess inventory and surplus supplies donated by companies and available for use by teachers in the classroom.

The Art of Found Objects Exhibition featured an array of materials such as textured paper, scrap metal, glass bottles, burlap and dried flowers. The competition included 154 entries, with of the top three student pieces and top three teacher submissions each receiving honors.

Grand prize awards winners received $300, while second place and third place winners received $200 and $100 respectively. In addition, 11 students and seven teachers received $50 honorable mention prizes. An exciting aspect of the exhibition was the inclusion of 14 student prizes bestowed on entries from grades 3 – 12.

“Whether they won an award or simply had their art piece exhibited, each student shined with the knowledge that their work was special. That encouragement is what the exhibit is about and is why Ocean Bank and The Children’s Trust are sponsors; they recognize the need to encourage student creativity through the arts,” said Lecht.

Many of the exhibited pieces will be displayed and up for sale at The Education Fund’s 2012 Art of Found Objects Auction on Thursday, May 24 at The Moore Building, 4040 NE 2^nd Ave., in Miami’s Design District.

Exhibit Details
Who: The Education Fund
What: The Art of Found Objects Exhibit
Where: Ocean Bank, 780 NW 42^nd Ave., in Miami
When:  9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Fridays. The exhibit ends April13.
Why: Showcase this year’s winners and top entries in the Ocean Bank Center for Educational Materials 19^th Annual Art of Found Objects Exhibition.
More details: Elizabeth Acosta, 305-892-5099 ext. 23, or eacosta@educationfund.org

Grand Prize Winners
Untitled, Crisiti Zuniga, senior, Westland Hialeah Senior High (Teacher: Eunice Lorenzo)
Seahorse Steeple Chase, Peter DeMercado, Banyan Elementary School teacher

Best of the Best
On the Inside, A Group Project by students at South Miami Senior High (Teacher: Lizzie Hunter)
On the Top of World, Erika Reboucas, Pinecrest Academy South teacher

Take a look at this year's Art of Found Objects Exhibit winners.
 
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About The Education Fund

The Education Fund has raised more than $39 million for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in the last 25 years. The nonprofit’s mission is to design, shape, and implement initiatives that involve the private sector in improving our schools and bringing excellence to public education. For more information, visit www.educationfund.org.

The Ed Fund

The Education Fund Gives Miami-Dade Teachers A Sweetheart of a Deal: $78,000

“We Love Teachers” event to be held on Thursday, Feb. 16

3/9/2012

(Feb. 9, 2012) – At its “We Love Teachers” event on Thursday, Feb. 16, The Education Fund will give out $78,000 to 200 Miami Dade Public School teachers to help them develop and implement classroom projects that motivate and challenge students.

The Education Fund will host an awards ceremony and reception at 6:15 p.m. at Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus, 500 NE 2^nd Ave., Room 2106.

The Education Fund will award 37 Teacher Mini Grants for the development of innovative projects that integrate real-life experiences into their curriculum. The Education Fund has been awarding the teacher grants since 1985. In 25 years, 2,766 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $1.2 million. The nonprofit will also give out 56 Impact II Adapter Grants to help teachers adapt other teachers’ award-winning lessons so more children can benefit from these best practices. And, The Education Fund will distribute funds to more than 120 teachers who participated in the Teach-A-Thon.

“The Education Fund provides teachers with an incentive to try new methods by giving them the financial support they need that otherwise wouldn’t be available” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund. “Getting a grant or a chance to participate in the Teach-a-Thon is always competitive. We receive hundreds of applications. These teachers are every bit as gifted as a star basketball player, a top litigator or a renowned surgeon but they don’t always get recognized for their talents and efforts. Our work is about surfacing these teachers and rewarding and supporting them for their work on behalf of all our children.”

The grant ceremony will also highlight the most successful fundraisers from the 2011 Teach-A-Thon held in December. The annual event is a walk-a-thon with a twist. Instead of walking, running, or climbing stairs, volunteers train with a teacher to deliver a real lesson during a class and raise money in the process. As part of the training, business volunteers learn to value the role of public school teachers.

The 2011 Teach-A-Thon raised more than $38,300. The top five fundraisers were:          Matthew Pinzur, Jackson Health System, $11,723; Nancy Mulshine, FPL, $1,891; Ric Cumming, Jackson Health System, $1,656; Pablo Pino, TD Bank, $1,650; and Gary Pappas, Carlton Fields, $1,456. The companies that raised the most funds were Jackson Health System, $14,100; FPL, $7,485; Miami Plastic Surgery, $2,800; Terremark, $2,790; Carlton Fields, $1901; and BankAtlantic, $1,441.

Sponsors
Brickell Avenue Literacy Society; Assurant; P.L. Dodge Foundation; Ford Motor Company; HSBC Bank and FPL

Event Details
Who: The Education Fund
What: “We love Teachers” event featuring testimonials, awards, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Where: Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, Room 2106
When: 6:15 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16
Why: Celebrate the successes of The Education Fund’s Teach-A-Thon, which raised more than $38,300 for local schools and The Education Fund programs, and announce the recipients of The Education Fund’s Teacher Mini Grants and Impact II Adapter Grant Recipients.
More details: Elizabeth Acosta, 305-892-5099 ext. 23, or eacosta@educationfund.org

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162 volunteers assist Miami-Dade public school teachers during Teach-A-Thon Dec. 5 - 16

12/5/2011

MIAMI (Dec. 1, 2011) – The Education Fund (www.educationfund.org) kicks off the 2011 Teach-A-Thon Monday, Dec. 5 with 162 volunteer teachers prepared to take over for educators throughout Miami-Dade Public Schools.

As part of the Teach-A-Thon training, volunteers learn to value the role of a public school teacher. They also raise money for local schools, with all proceeds funding school supplies, field trips and other classroom activities. Over the last seven years, The Education Fund event has raised more than $300,000 for local schools.

“The mission of the Teach-a-Thon is more important than ever as funding for and belief in public education continues to dramatically decrease in the US while other countries embrace their public systems surpassing us,” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund. “Public understanding of the role of teachers is critical as it is only by investing wisely in our teacher workforce, as other countries have done, that we will be able to compete in the global marketplace.”

More than 35 companies and their employees are stepping up to the challenge to teach during the two-week event. FPL, the Teach-A-Thon’s top sponsor, has 50 employees gearing up to teach a class. Wells Fargo Bank and TD Bank have 21 and 12 employees respectively ready for their stint in public school classrooms throughout the county.

 “I believe in the power of education and have a great respect for the incredible responsibility teachers have,” said Ric Cuming, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D., NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nursing executive of Jackson Health System, who will be volunteering at Kensington Park Elementary. “I am looking forward to my time in the classroom. The Education Fund Teach-A-Thon is a worthwhile cause that I am honored to be a part of.”

Event Details

What: The Education Fund’s 2011 Teach-A-Thon

When: Dec. 5 – 16

What: 162 volunteers representing 35 companies donate their time to teach in Miami-Dade Public Schools.
Why: To raise awareness about the role and value of public school teachers.
To raise money for The Education Fund and classroom school activities.
Donate: Firstgiving.com/EducationFund

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The Education Fund has raised more than $38 million for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in the last 25 years. The nonprofit’s mission is to design, shape, and implement initiatives that involve the private sector in improving our schools and bringing excellence to public education. For more information, visit www.educationfund.org.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Author Dave Barry to Kick Off The Education Fund’s Teacher-to-Teacher Conference on Oct. 29

10/10/2011

The Education Fund will hosts its annual Idea Expo & Teacher Conference on Oct. 29 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, giving local educators a chance to network, share strategies and learn about what works in classrooms today from their peers.

The Idea Expo is one of the largest "by-teacher, for-teacher" conferences in South Florida. This year’s event features a keynote address by Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry, more than 75 workshops led by teachers, and 100 informational booths. All participating K-12 teachers will receive eight essential master plan points and curriculum packets.

The first 500 to register will receive a special goodie bag with materials and supplies designed just for teachers.

Event Details

Who: For teachers, by teachers

What: Register NOW for The Education Fund’s Idea Expo & Teacher Conference

Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, One Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach

When: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Saturday Oct. 29, 2011 (you must pre-register!)

Why: Teachers know best what strategies work in the classroom.

Register Now!: Registration closes 10/26!

Cost: $50

Conference questions: Lorna Valle, 305-892-5099 ext. 18, or lvalle@educationfund.org

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About The Education Fund

The Education Fund has raised more than $38 million for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in the last 25 years. The nonprofit’s mission is to design, shape, and implement initiatives that involve the private sector in improving our schools and bringing excellence to public education. For more information, visit www.educationfund.org.

Ed Fund's Board Co-Chair Participates in National Education Initiative for Hispanics

Patricia Fernandez Lefebvre Joins President Obama for Swearing-In Ceremony

10/6/2011

MIAMI, FL. – October 6, 2011 -- BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, today announced that Ms. Patricia Fernandez Lefebvre, BankAtlantic’s President for Dade County, will be visiting the White House to attend the second meeting of and swearing-in ceremony for President Obama's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. “Ms. Lefebvre is a recognized public advocate on education issues and exemplifies BankAtlantic’s long-standing corporate commitment to education in all of the communities in which we operate.In addition to her many activities, Ms. Lefebvre serves as Co-Chair of The Education Fund for Miami-Dade, as well as President of the South Florida Youth Symphony.Both organizations are dedicated to assisting young people achieve secondary and post-secondary educational goals through programs that foster college-readiness, leadership, academic excellence, mentoring and in-classroom support,” commented Jarett Levan, CEO of BankAtlantic.

Ms. Lefebvre will travel to the White House where key members of the Department of Education and other national leaders develop strategies and programs to bring about much needed educational progress within the nation’s largest and fastest-growing minority population. The meeting is open to the public.
“The investment of time or monies in the education and uplifting of the children of south Florida is an investment in our greatest asset, and one that can yield very positive returns for a lifetime,” comment Ms. Patricia Fernandez Lefebvre, BankAtlantic’s President for Dade County.“I am pleased and honored to participate in the meeting of the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics; however, I am very proud of the energetic initiative, drive and commitment of the students of Miami-Dade.They are an inspiration.”

About The Education Fund: The Education Fund designs and implements initiatives to improve schools and bring excellence to public education in Miami-Dade. The Education Fund's first program awarded small grants to support teachers' innovative classroom projects.Two decades and more than 1,000 projects later, our programs make a difference in the lives of 350,000 students and 22,000 teachers throughout Miami-Dade Public Schools each year.In addition to awards of more than $2 million in grants to teachers, The Education Fund's initiatives have contributed $5.6 million in free classroom supplies, 10,000 computers to parents and students, 1.2 million trilingual Parent Resource Guides, thousands of hours in educator training and filled numerous other critical needs. The objective of each The Education Fund's program is to support and promote quality public education for every child in Miami-Dade public schools by providing teachers and students with resources they need to succeed in the classroom.To learn more about The Education Fund, get involved or to donate, please visit http://www.educationfund.org/ .

About the South Florida Youth Symphony: The South Florida Youth Symphony mission is to establish and promote a quality symphony orchestra in south Florida comprised of youth up to 21 years of age and to foster the musical development of students ages 5 through 21 from every socio-economic and ethnic background to help develop the total life of a student through musical training.In addition, the South Florida Youth Symphony strives to stimulate public participation in the program and render to the community a quality cultural and educational service.The South Florida Youth Symphony proudly offers classes from beginner to advanced students in violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano and string bass. Private lessons are also available upon request for the myriad of other instruments of the orchestra family.The South Florida Youth Symphony proudly boasts three symphony ensembles which are platforms for students to grow and develop in their genre.To learn more about the South Florida Youth Symphony, get involved or to donate, please visit http://www.sfys.net/index.html .

About BankAtlantic:
BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida.  Via its broad network of community branches and conveniently located ATMs, BankAtlantic provides a full line of personal, small business and commercial banking products and services.  BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers extended weekday hours, Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center, Change Exchange coin counters, as well as retail and business checking accounts. Member FDIC.

Banking just got a whole lot easier!For further information, please visit us at www.BankAtlantic.com or a BankAtlantic branch nearest you.

BankAtlantic Media Contact:
Caren Berg, Boardroom Communications
(954) 370-8999
cberg@boardroompr.com

BankAtlantic Bancorp (NYSE: BBX) is a bank holding company and the parent company of BankAtlantic.For further information, please visit: www.BankAtlanticBancorp.com BankAtlantic Bancorp, Inc. Contact Info: Leo Hinkley, Investor and Corporate Communications Officer: 954- 940-5300 InvestorRelations@BankAtlanticBancorp.com Sharon Lyn, V.P., Investor and Corporate Communications: 954-940-6383 CorpComm@BankAtlanticBancorp.com # # # Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).Actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed, or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein and the Company cautions that the foregoing factors are not exclusive.

The Education Fund Looks for Business Professionals to Teach for a Day

9/22/2011

MIAMI (Sept. 22, 2011) – The Education Fund is looking for business professionals to volunteer to teach a class in a Miami-Dade public school during the 2011 Teach-A-Thon. More than 300 teachers have already signed up. Now The Education Fund needs to find 300 or more volunteers to participate or the organization will have to turn away interested teachers. Volunteers have until mid-October to sign-up.

The Teach-A-Thon, planned for the week of Dec. 5 – 9, is a walk-a-thon with a twist. Instead of walking, running, or climbing stairs, volunteers train with a teacher to deliver a real lesson during a class and raise money in the process. As part of the training, volunteers learn to value the role of a public school teacher.

“Anyone business person or professional can take part in the Teach-A-Thon. We’ve had CEOs and we’ve had secretaries volunteer. Lawyers, accountants, bankers, doctors, TV anchors, purchasing managers, chief information officers, HR staff and many others – have all joined the Teach-a-Thon. No teaching experience is needed,” said Linda Lecht, president of The Education Fund. “All you need is an interest in helping our schools, teachers and students. On teaching day, it only takes an hour or so, but the feeling if exhilaration lasts for days, while the appreciation for what teachers do lasts a lifetime.

”The Education Fund has hosted the Teach-A-Thon for seven years, raising more than $300,000 for local teachers. All funds raised are used to buy school supplies, underwrite field trips and support other classroom activities.

Event Details
Who: Business professionals, parents, relatives - all adults
What: The Education Fund’s 2011 Teach-A-Thon Volunteer Enrollment Phase
Where: www.educationfund.org
When: Sign up online --Now through Oct. 17, 2011

Why: The Teach-A-Thon gives non-teachers an understanding and an appreciation for the work teachers do every day in Miami-Dade schools, while helping to raise funds for needed classroom materials and activities.

More details: Elizabeth Acosta, 305-892-5099 ext. 23, or elizabethacosta@educationfund.org.

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About The Education Fund The Education Fund has raised more than $38 million for Miami-Dade County Public Schools in the last 25 years. The nonprofit’s mission is to design, shape, and implement initiatives that involve the private sector in improving our schools and bringing excellence to public education. For more information, visit www.educationfund.org.

The Education Fund receives Walmart grant to help more public schools students go to college

7/26/2011

Walmart Grant to The Education Fund's Citi Postsecondary Success Program

Whole Foods Teams Up with The Education Fund to Raise Money for Local Teachers

Nestor Torres to serve as a “Celebrity Bagger” at 7 p.m.

8/5/2011

MIAMI (AUG. 4, 2011) – Whole Foods Market will donate 5 percent of the net sales from its Aventura store (21105 Biscayne Blvd) on Thursday, Aug. 11 to The Education Fund.
(Watch a video about the event)

Whole Foods Community Giving Day helps kick off recruiting for The Education Fund’s Teach-a-Thon, a walk-a-thon with a twist. Instead of walking, running or climbing stairs, volunteers train for a "teaching day." As part of the training process, participants learn to value the role of the classroom teacher.

Flautist, composer and Latin Grammy Award winner Nestor Torres has graciously accepted The Education Fund’s invitation to serve as a “Celebrity Bagger”. Miami-Dade School Board member Martin Karp, and a host of local teachers, will also work the checkout lines as part of the daylong fundraiser.

All proceeds from the event will support the 2011 Teach-A-Thon scheduled for the first week in December. That’s when hundreds of professionals will step into an elementary, middle or high school classroom and try their hand at teaching.

The Education Fund has hosted the Teach-A-Thon for seven years, raising more than $300,000 for local teachers. The money is used to buy school supplies, underwrite field trips and support other classroom activities.

“Whole Foods Community Giving Day will allow us to showcase the difficult task our teachers have of educating our youth,” said Linda Lecht, president, The Education Fund. “Most people don’t understand the importance of what teachers do until they experience it for themselves.”

Event Details

Who: Flautist, composer and Latin Grammy Award winner Nestor Torres to serve as a “Celebrity Bagger” at 7 p.m. Miami-Dade School Board member Martin Karp and local teachers will also bag groceries.

What: Whole Foods Community Giving Day, 5 percent of store net sales will benefit The Education Fund’s 2011 Teach-A-Thon

Where: Whole Foods, 21105 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, Fla. 33180

When: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 11

Why: Increase community appreciation for the teaching profession.

More details: 305-892-5099 ext. 23