CCE Luncheon Raises Over $2 Million for The Foundations School

CAPEHART / Pictured: Susan Telesco, Robert Hamon, Pauline Pitt

12/18/2025

Philanthropy took center stage on December 4 as the Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education hosted its annual “Thanks for Giving” Fall Luncheon at its West Palm Beach campus, an event that ultimately raised more than $2 million in support of The Foundations School. An impressive group of education leaders, philanthropists, and community members gathered for a morning that underscored the transformative power of investing in children.

Chaired by Palm Beachers Pauline Pitt and Susan Telesco, the luncheon became a defining moment for the organization when Pitt announced a $1 million naming gift for the new playground at The Foundations School. The surprise continued when Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore, alongside her mother and former Palm Beach Mayor Lesly Smith, representing the Fortin Family Foundation, revealed an additional $1 million commitment to the school, bringing total funds raised during the event to more than bringing total funds raised during the event to more than $2 million.

Guests were invited to experience the impact of their support firsthand, beginning with a visit to the newly designed playground, a vibrant space shaped by student input and intended to foster creativity, movement, and social-emotional growth. Attendees then joined students during recess, hearing directly from them about what it means to learn in an environment built around personalized attention, project-based learning, and strong family engagement.

The program’s most moving moments came during a student-led conversation with Mayor Moore, moderated by arts leader Rena Blades. Students posed thoughtful questions about civic life and leadership, offering a powerful glimpse into how education at The Foundations School extends beyond academics to nurture confident, engaged citizens. The Foundations School operates as an independent K through 5 lab school and serves students who have historically been underserved in traditional systems. While state scholarships help offset tuition, philanthropic support remains essential to sustaining the school’s high-touch, arts-integrated model. The funds raised will expand access for families across Palm Beach County and ensure the long-term strength of CCE’s educational mission.

As the season of giving continues, the luncheon stood as a reminder of what is possible when philanthropy, education, and community align. For Palm Beach, it was not just a successful fundraiser, but a powerful investment in its future.