Josh Crews Writing Project celebrates writing in schools with 'Arabian Nights' gala

With colorful lights, silks and jewels in the décor and attire, the seventh-annual Josh Crews Writing Project gala brought the stories of “Arabian Nights” to life.

About 130 guests enjoyed the camel cutout photo op and the food and music reminiscent of the Middle Eastern scenes of “Arabian Nights” on Saturday, Nov. 18, at Channel Side.

The gala honored the memory of a local prolific reader and writer who was always bringing stories to life: Josh Crews. Crews died in an automobile accident in 2010.

Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director Joe Rizzo said that last year, about $20,000 was raised for the foundation, which includes the Josh Crews Writing Project that helped establish writing clubs in the nine Flagler County public schools, as well as projects like the STUFF Bus, which gives life essentials to those in need in the school district. This year, just over $26,000 was raised at the gala to continue Crews’ lasting impact on Flagler Schools.

“When we first started doing this, it was for a dear friend of mine,” Rizzo said. “And now that I’ve evolved into the executive director of the Ed Foundation, it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Just having that personal connection to keep Josh’s name alive and well and having an influence on school children, it’s just priceless.”