Soiree for Students
Golf Tournament
Inspire Awards
Clays for Classrooms
PEF's signature events bring Polk County together for a vital cause. and every dollar raised goes directly to benefit students and teachers.
September 2026
17
Thursday
Registration Deadline: Thursday, 9/03/2026 5:00pm EDT
Location: Auburndale Civic Center at Lake Ariana Park
Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner served at 6:30 p.m.
The Soirée for Students is an annual fundraising gala presented by the Polk Education Foundation in partnership with Polk County Public Schools. The event celebrates student success while raising critical funds to support educational programs, classroom resources, scholarships, and learning opportunities for students throughout Polk County.
Registration Includes: Delicious food, a silent auction, and more
Register for the Soiree for Students
October 2026
30
Friday
Registration Deadline: Friday - 10/16/2026 - 12:00 pm EDT
Location: Shotgun Start Cleveland Heights Golf Course
Starting Time: 8:30 a.m.
PEF's annual golf scramble is a perfect day on the course for a great cause. Four-person teams compete in a relaxed scramble format while raising funds for classroom grants, teacher programs, and student scholarships. Whether you're a scratch golfer or haven't played in years, there's a spot for you on the fairway.
Registration Includes: 18 holes with cart, continental breakfast, awards banquet, and a chance to win prizes at every hole.
Register for the Annual Golf Tournament
November 2026
6
Location: RP Funding Center, Lakeland
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; event begins at 6:30 p.m.
Honoring Polk County Public Schools’ nominees for Teacher of the Year and School Related Employee of the Year, District Finalists, Overall, Winners, and the Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year. Approximately 900 guests gather to celebrate excellence in education.
Registration Includes: Dinner, award presentations, and a look at PEF's impact over the past year.
Learn More About Inspire Awards Event
February 2027
26
Registration Deadline: January 27, 2027
Location: Golotko Ranch, Fort Meade, FL
Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
Susan Copeland Memorial Clays for Classrooms: A unique glow in the dark evening flurry shoot supporting education enhancement grants and free classroom supplies for teachers. Proceeds also benefit the Susan Copeland Leadership Legacy Scholarship.
Registration Includes: Breakfast, ammunition, awards ceremony, and lunch. Sponsorship packages are available at all levels.
Learn More About Clays for Classroom Event