FORT PIERCE — The inaugural TCCEED Beach Ball raised nearly $41,000 for workforce development. On top of that, Truist Bank presented the organization with a $100,000 grant to help expand its services and programs.

The Treasure Coast Center for Economic and Educational Development (TCCEED) pulled the Aug. 27 fundraiser together in just 93 days, turning an idea for a waterfront event into an evening that brought business leaders, educators, community partners and supporters to Square Grouper Tiki Bar in Fort Pierce.

The event, themed “Where Workforce Meets the Waterfront,” featured food, waterfront views, music, networking, auctions and stories about people and businesses affected by TCCEED’s work.

“The energy in that room was incredible,” said Nikita Lloyd, TCCEED board secretary and Beach Ball event chair. “In just 93 days, we watched this idea grow into an event filled with some of the very best the Treasure Coast has to offer… business leaders, educators, community advocates and people who genuinely believe in what is possible here. To raise nearly $41,000 at our inaugural event is wonderful, but what excites me even more is the enthusiasm surrounding our mission and what we can and will accomplish together.”

TCCEED serves as a connector, or “broker,” between businesses and the current and future workforce. The organization connects employers with talent, helps young adults and families identify career opportunities and brings greater visibility to Career and Technical Education programs and workforce resources throughout the Treasure Coast.

Rather than duplicating successful programs, TCCEED connects businesses and community members with existing resources while identifying gaps and developing new initiatives where needs remain.

The nearly $41,000 raised through the Beach Ball will support TCCEED programs and initiatives, strengthen partnerships and create more opportunities for Treasure Coast residents and businesses.

The $100,000 Truist grant will give the organization additional resources to expand its work.

“This investment is transformational for TCCEED,” said Anita Fischer, CEO of TCCEED. “It allows us to take programs to new heights, reach more people, support more businesses and create opportunities that can have lasting effects on families throughout our community. We are incredibly grateful to Truist, Steven Rivera and the entire team for believing in this mission and investing in the future of the Treasure Coast.”

TCCEED also presented Andy Treadwell with its inaugural Blast Off Award, recognizing his commitment to the organization and the Treasure Coast community.

“Andy is one of those people who doesn’t simply say he supports something – he shows up and helps make it happen,” Lloyd said. “His commitment to TCCEED and to his community is extraordinary. We could not think of a more deserving person to receive our very first Blast Off Award.”

TCCEED credited the success of the event to businesses, sponsors, donors, attendees, board members, committee members and volunteers, as well as the Square Grouper Fort Pierce team.

For Fischer, Lloyd and TCCEED Programs Director Sarah Dwyer, the response to the Beach Ball reflected growing interest in deeper collaboration around workforce development.

“TCCEED believes sustainable economic development requires more than simply preparing people for jobs. It requires listening to employers, connecting residents with opportunities, celebrating and strengthening the programs already producing results and creating solutions when gaps emerge,” Dwyer said. “The result is a stronger talent pipeline for local businesses, greater economic opportunity for individuals and families, and a stronger Treasure Coast.”

TCCEED is already looking ahead.

“The momentum coming out of this event is radiant,” Lloyd said. “The mission is clear. We’re seeing what happens when businesses, education and community come together around opportunity. Beach Ball showed us that people want to be part of this work and if this is what we can accomplish in 93 days, just wait until next year. TCCEED is just getting started.”

For information about TCCEED, its programs, partnership opportunities or ways to get involved, visit TCCEED.org.