Play It Forward Gala Raises Over $550,000 for Students with Learning Disabilities

Educational Pathways Academy held its very first gala—the Play It Forward Gala—graciously hosted and chaired by EPA parent Grace Frey. It was an unforgettable evening filled with purpose, joy, and generosity in support of the EPA Scholarship Fund.

The evening opened with a program sharing the mission of EPA and the impact of specialized literacy instruction in the lives of students with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Guests heard a heartfelt testimonial from Gala Chair Grace Frey, followed by reflections from Head of School Molly Arthur, along with a video that illustrated how transformative the right support can be when students are given the tools they need to succeed.

One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the paddle raise in support of the EPA Scholarship Fund. Moved by the stories shared, guests responded with remarkable generosity, contributing over $550,000 in support of student scholarships! In appreciation, each donor received a handmade beaded bookmark created by an EPA student, symbolizing the new chapter of opportunity in a child’s educational journey that they helped make possible.

The evening continued with dinner, games, a silent auction, and additional opportunities to support the EPA Scholarship Fund, all contributing to an extraordinary night of impact.

Our heartfelt thanks to Grace and Barry Frey and the extended Frey family for the way they have wrapped their arms around EPA and helped propel our school forward in ways we could not have imagined. Their love and support have been essential to EPA’s growth and strength, and the Play It Forward Gala is just one of many ways they have helped make our mission more accessible to children and families in need.

We are also grateful to all of our sponsors, donors, EPA volunteers, and guests who made the evening an incredible success. It is truly a community effort, and we are thankful for each and every one of you.

Together, we are making a difference for bright, capable students who learn differently, and we are so grateful to have you as part of EPA’s story!

Jessica Wead