On May 14, ECS4Kids debuted Color the Future, a reimagined gala experience built to feel like the joyful, creative spirit found in ECS4Kids classrooms: bright, fun, interactive, and full of heart. The evening was a meaningful celebration of 60 years of impact and a successful start to a year of anniversary stories and moments still to come.
A new format built for connection (and a little play)
From the moment guests arrived, Color the Future invited people to move, explore, and participate. Dynamic co-hosts Jordan Wilkerson and David Benfield of First Coast Living guided guests through the featured activities and filled the room with energy. Attendees jumped into a “Celebrate in Color” scavenger hunt, toured the silent auction, and circulated through experiences staged both inside and outside the room.
One of the most memorable features of the night was the live art happening in real time, including a hands-on “paint by color” moment that literally welcomed guests into the creative process. Guests were invited to pick up a paintbrush and help complete a community-built background on a live piece by youth artist Zende Randolph, later featured in the live auction.
Moments that made the night
Color the Future was designed with surprise and movement throughout the evening, including:
- Color group photos that brought guests together by the color they wore
- A “history walk” that highlighted ECS4Kids’ 6 decades of impact
- A mid-evening dance break led by surprise guest DJ and Board member Isaiah Oliver (a.k.a. “Fund-master Flex”) spinning hits across the decades
- A lively transition into “Story Time,” where the room shifted from fun to purpose, highlighting real stories from families we serve
“As board members, we volunteer our time because this mission is personal to us,” Board Chair Thabata Ford shared with the crowd. “We come from different backgrounds, professions, and life experiences, but we are united by one shared commitment. We believe every child deserves the strongest possible start in life, and every parent deserves support along the way.”
Dr. Natalya Roby, President and CEO of ECS4Kids, reminded guests of the power of early education. “ECS4Kids is an engine for action,” she said. “We don’t just serve children. We strengthen families, equip educators, and help build a stronger economy.”
To everyone who attended, participated, bid, and gave: thank you! Your support helped make the night a success, and it strengthens the work that children and families rely on every day.
The Color the Future Gala is the opening chapter of ECS4Kids’ 60th anniversary year, during which we will continue to spotlight the people, progress, and purpose behind six decades of service. Follow along on ECS4Kids social media channels and subscribe to our email newsletters for news and updates.
