Join us for “Reach for the Stars” the 20th Annual Fundraising Auction and Gala presented by the Parents’ Group

Michael Israel is a world-renowned American artist, entertainer, speaker, and humanitarian famous for “Speed Painting” performances and inspiring compassion and support for many charities including the Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish, Komen Breast Cancer, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Michael was born in 1960 in New York and began painting at age 2. His childhood was split between a nomadic life traveling across America with his father and an aquatic life aboard a houseboat with his sea captain mother.

By age 6 he was obsessed with martial arts and became a national black belt champion by 17; he credits martial arts training for his super-fast painting.

He has shared the limelight with celebrities, CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, and world leaders alike painting at prestigious venues including Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, the Olympic Medals stage in Salt Lake with Brooks & Dunn, the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting with Warren Buffett, and Presidential events in Washington, DC.

A testament to the emotional and inspirational power of his art is that paintings completed in minutes have sold as high as $250,000!

“Michael asks little from his audience, all they must do is be present to be drawn in, engaged and energized. He visibly makes the connection between music, art, and the viewer’s heart – there are audible gasps as he works his magic, passing energy back and forth with the cheering crowd during an experience they will remember the rest of their lives!”

Navy SEAL, Bob Schoultz
Director, Master of Science in Global Leadership

“You had our full attention, and we knew that we were in the presence of something extraordinary, something different from anything most of us had ever seen before… What really impressed me was how you and your performance created a bridge between the military and business worlds, and the world of artistic creativity. You gave them an experience they won’t forget about how an artist can capture the imagination and create a new understanding of the world we live in. Your creative interpretation and blending of pop-culture with patriotism and love of country gave us new insights into the power of art. And of course, the dollars your paintings brought to support programs to support Naval Special Warfare Families will make a huge difference in the morale of spouses and children in families bearing the burden of our fighting men spending so much time deployed”

School of Business Administration
The University of San Diego

A few more reviews:

• “This legitly brought tears to my eyes. For the 4th time watching it… I’m 17 years old and a guy… I can admit this does… I may not believe in God… but bless you, Michael!”
• “I love this man… I had the honor of seeing him live, and I’ll never forget it…”
• “Hooah!! That rocked brother!! Awesome and magnificent, emotional, and strong heartedly done! Amen!!”
• “This guy is AMAZING thanks for using your talents for good causes I started CRYING the first time I saw this!”

Admiral Farragut Academy offers an array of opportunities that most private boarding and day schools do not. With two graduates who have walked on the moon and course offerings from scuba to aviation, Farragut is proud to offer our students the opportunity to quite literally “Reach for the Stars”.

As always all Farragut families and supporters are invited and encouraged to attend but we hope you also extend the invite to your friends, family, neighbors, employers, employees, and more too! With an exciting artist like Michael Israel, we are inviting the community-at-large including art enthusiasts, politicians, corporations, Farragut friends and family, and more. Please note this event is 21 and up.

For 20 years the Parents’ Group, which consists solely of Admiral Farragut Academy parent volunteers, has raised funds to pay for additional school needs that are not allocated in the school’s budget. Recent projects that were funded include buying a school van, resurfacing the tennis courts, installing filtered-water stations, adding sun shades at the playground, and much more! This group is a vital part of annual school improvements and they raise funds through large events including the Golf Tournament hosted in fall and the Annual Auction hosted in spring.

There will be opportunities to silently bid on items like parking spots, class projects and experiential events. The live auction will focus on paddle raises for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) projects and special experiences similar to last year. In addition, Michael Israel will put on an impressive performance as you witness art-in-concert which will be available for live bidding. There will be items for all budgets and a variety of paintings and artwork to choose from. All proceeds will go to the Parents’ Group and Admiral Farragut Academy.

Are you connected to major players or companies in our community? Do you want to work with your child’s grade to create the class project? Do you want to help set up and decorate prior to the event? The Parents’ Group President Marjorie Deskovich is in the process of forming committees and would love to find a fit for you based on your skill sets and area of interest. Please email parentsgroup@farragut2.org or call 727-384-5500 ext 266.

Yes of course! We are also open to opportunities for corporate partnerships and sponsorships. Admiral Farragut Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible. Tax ID# 59-3038365