Page 69 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2016

GIVING BACK passionate people BILOXIFIRSTEnhancing
Education
Biloxi First receving a check from IP Casino
Roasters for this year’s Jaye Brice roast.
The IP ballroom is always standing-room only.
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Biloxi First
Founded in 1989, the non-profit organization Biloxi First aims to enhance the city of Biloxi’s educational system. The organization was established by a group of dedicated citizens with a vision to inspire and support creative projects, improve the quality of local education and
to develop the academic potential of students within the Biloxi school district. Biloxi First has grown to meet the needs of Biloxi’s schools and is powered entirely by a group of passionate volunteers.
Through the generosity of local individuals and businesses, Biloxi
First has been able to accomplish many things within the school district. These include funding 57 Named Grants for innovative classroom projects, creating a growing endowment fund in excess of $890,000, using $293,000 to fund nearly 463 classroom projects and enriching educational opportunities for students.
One of Biloxi First’s major events is its annual Roast. This year marked the 14th annual Roast, honoring Jaye Brice. Past honorees include
John “Shorty” Sneed, Susan Hunt, Jeff O’Keefe, Butch Oustalet, Claire Hornsby, Chevis Swetman, Ron Peresich, Gerald Blessey, Bill Holmes, Tommy Gollott, Cono Caranna, A.J. Holloway and Larry Drawdy.
“Those interested in supporting Biloxi First can do so through membership, providing grants and attending our Roast fundraiser,” said Ann Denison, treasurer. “Membership gives individuals and businesses the opportunity to make annual contributions that will directly impact the quality of education in Biloxi.”
Establishing a Named Grant is another way to benefit the organization. “With a contribution of $5,000, a Named Grant is created and bears
the name of the donor, a business, organization or an individual,” said Denison. “Biloxi First will then strive to secure matching funds of up
to an additional $5,000 to potentially provide a total of $10,000. This total is then permanently invested into the Biloxi First Educational Endowment Fund.”
P.O. Box 982, Biloxi
228.860.8871 • ann.denison@biloxischools.net
Previous roastees, Butch Oustalet and “Shorty” Sneed.
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December 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 69