The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is gearing up for its 2nd Annual BBQ and Bingo fundraising event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 25, at the Clubhouse Grille at the FWB Golf Course.

• The event, which supports local students and teachers, will begin with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by bingo from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Attendees can also participate in a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle.

Established in 1996, the foundation focuses on supporting students and teachers in Okaloosa County. One of its primary initiatives is the Take Stock in Children (TSIC) scholarship program, which provides two-year tuition scholarships to deserving students who may face financial barriers to college education.

TSIC recipients are selected through an application process in their 8th grade year and are paired with mentors who guide them throughout high school. The program aims to improve high school and college graduation rates among participants.

Currently, 60 high school students hold TSIC scholarships. The foundation’s goal is to expand the program to support 100 students across grades 9-12, requiring an annual fundraising target of $97,500. These funds are matched through the Florida Prepaid Program, effectively doubling the impact of donations.

• In addition to supporting TSIC, the BBQ and Bingo event helps fund mini-grants for local teachers. These grants allow educators to finance special classroom projects without passing costs on to students.

General admission tickets for the BBQ and Bingo event are priced at $25 each and can be purchased online. The foundation encourages community members to attend, emphasizing that all proceeds will directly support classroom activities and student scholarships.

The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation continues to play a crucial role in enhancing educational opportunities for local students and supporting innovative teaching initiatives in Okaloosa County.