The School Foundation gets $35,000 BB&T donation

FLORENCE — The School Foundation has received a $35,000 donation from BB&T.

A portion of the funds will be used to sponsor the VIP Reception for a former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, who will speak at The School Foundation’s annual fundraising gala Sept. 24 in Florence.

Gen. Richard Myers, 67, will join in honoring Lt. Gen. Charles Bagnal at Florence Civic Center, The School Foundation Executive Director Debbie Hyler said. Bagnal, 75, grew up in Florence and graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1952.

The remaining funds will assist the foundation with its operating budget.

The School Foundation, which supports all students in Florence School District 1, is the largest endowment for any public K-12 school system in South Carolina. It promotes educational excellence in the district through grants for innovative and high impact programs designed to benefit all children.

“BB&T continues to be a dedicated community partner by supporting The School Foundation’s efforts,” Hyler said in a press release. “They recognize that a strong public school system helps the entire community. BB&T is definitely a strong leader in the Florence community and the entire community benefits from their efforts.”

Nearly 1,000 people are expected to attend the gala, which serves as the primary fundraiser for The School Foundation. Tickets begin at $75 for teachers and $100 for individuals. Tables of eight will go for $1,000 (bronze sponsorship), $2,500 (silver), $5,000 (gold) and $10,000 (platinum).

“Education is the most powerful weapon which can be used to change the world. It is also a fact that our community’s economic results are significantly impacted by the success of a single word. That word is education,” B. Frank James, senior vice president and city executive at BB&T, said in the release. “BB&T understands that our contribution to The School Foundation will not only promote the pathway to excellence in education, but also, contribute to the growth and well-being of the Florence community which BB&T serves.“

Tickets for the gala can be purchased by calling Hyler at (843) 662-9996 or by e-mailing .

For more information about The School Foundation, visit http://www.theschoolfoundation.org online.