New College Foundation Raises Half a Million Dollars

November 22 | Sarasota

The New College of Florida Foundation hosted its 45^th Annual Clambake on Thursday, November 7, raising approximately $500,000 to support New College students, faculty and staff. The event was a celebratory evening on the College Hall Bayfront, attracting an audience of more than 200 for an intimate evening of fine dining, philanthropy, and a magnificent pyrotechnic display.

The event was co-chaired by Sarasota philanthropists Elizabeth Moore and Don Patterson. The four-course dinner was prepared by Michael’s On East, with libations furnished from acclaimed winemakers Kit Kuyper and Don Burns. Guests ranged from longtime New College supporters and community members attending their first New College event, and the combination of food, wine, music, fireworks, and heartfelt testimonials about the value New College provides to its students and to Sarasota made for a night to remember. 

“The support of our community is essential to the success of New College,” said Richard Corcoran, President of New College. “This is the finest public liberal arts college in the country, and we’ve been able to expand and improve our graduate degree offerings, with more exciting plans on the cusp of launching in 2025.”

“Clambake Chairs Elizbeth Moore and Don Patterson, Co-Chairs Greg and Jennifer Douglas, and the rest of the Clambake committee raised the bar for what every Bayfront event can aspire to,” said Sydney Gruters, Executive Director of the New College Foundation. “Our community has once again demonstrated its passionate support for the liberal arts, free speech, and civil discourse, which have been absent in higher education and are being restored here at New College.”

The New College Foundation has played an instrumental role in a number of enhancements that have changed the landscape at New College. An innovative and unique Master’s in Marine Mammal Science program launched this fall, and the growth of intercollegiate athletics has propelled both undergraduate enrollment and renewed school spirit among students and alumni.

New College has expanded its outreach in the local community over the last year, and the enthusiasm for this year’s Clambake reflects those efforts. Thanks to the generosity of the community, New College is expanding its positive impact on the culture, economics, and higher education landscape of the region. 

For more information about the New College Foundation or to contribute to important Foundation initiatives, please visit NCF.edu/Give.