The Mad Hatter’s Gala directly impacts local students through various Rotary Club of Lakeland North projects. It allows us to do this in four ways: to keep students in the classroom, promote attendance and support literacy and leadership.
Specifically, the Mad Hatter's Gala funds the BUSS program which provides belts, undergarments, shoes and socks in 24 of our local public elementary schools, Rotary Interact Clubs in two of our Lakeland high schools, scholarships for two high school students to attend the Rotary's Seminar For Tomorrow's Leaders, dictionaries for 5th grade students in seven Lakeland elementary schools; and when possible, funds help support local programs that fall within the mission of the Mad Hatter's Gala. For example, the Rotary Club of Lakeland North recently provided 1000 children's books to the Polk County School District in support of their "Read While You Roll" program.
The event includes live entertainment, catered dinner, cash bar and silent auction. Also, featured will be the Mad Hatter's Art Contest by Lakeland elementary schools. This year's theme is "Mad Hatter in Outer Space". Bidding for these items starts early online. Stay tuned for updates.