Carmel Education Foundation
Investing in our students. Uplifting our community.
For 60 years, Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) has been investing in students, supporting educators, and strengthening the Carmel Clay community.
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Founded in 1966, CEF partners with Carmel Clay Schools to fund classroom grants, scholarships, and essential resources that fuel innovation, inspire learning, and expand opportunity. By engaging the community to invest in education, CEF helps bridge critical funding gaps and support students at every stage of their educational journey.
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CEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors committed to ensuring every student has the resources and support needed to thrive.
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Taste of Carmel is one of CEF’s signature community events—bringing people together to celebrate great food while investing in the future of Carmel Clay students.
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Learn more about our programs, meet our board of directors, and see our impact in action here.
Taste of Carmel is planned by a group of community volunteers, some of whom serve on Carmel Education Foundation board of directors, some of whom have planned Taste of Carmel for years, and some who have joined for the first time. Together, their ideas and work make this a premier Carmel event.
Taste of Carmel Planning
History & Tradition
From Orchard Park Elementary to Carmel Education Foundation
Taste of Carmel (TOC) began in 2005 as a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) fundraiser for Orchard Park Elementary (OPE), a former CCS elementary school. Originally designed as an event for OPE families, the event soon became a popular "can't miss" night out for many Carmel Clay Schools parents. By 2014, TOC had become the largest indoor food experience in Hamilton County. Annually, more than 1,000 guests from Carmel and surrounding areas attend to enjoy an array of food and drink while visiting with friends or entertaining clients.
Event Chairs
Lisa Pellegrino
Kyle Monke​​​
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Food and Beverage
James Nimmer
Cristy Heisey
Melissa Mitchell
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Raffle
Open
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Ticketing
David Meier*​​​
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Media & Marketing
Jeremy Albert
Jessica Barrett*
Jim May*
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Event Management
Kari Strolberg and
Syanda Feist​,
Detail and Design
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​​Auction
Lisa Busse, Co-Chair
Katie Hanner, Co-Chair
Riham Gamil
Andrea Kulsrud
Shona McFall
Open​​
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Design
Melissa Volz-Smith, Chair
Holley Rubenstein
Emily Ehrgott
Jennifer Cashin​​​​​
CEF Chief Executive Officer: Jennifer Penix
CEF Program Manager: Stacey Hetrick
CEF Office Administrator: Jenny Redmon
Meet our 2026 Team
*Carmel Education Foundation Board Member