
In a remarkable endorsement of the crucial role the Outer Banks community plays in shaping the education of Dare County’s public school students, The Dare Education Foundation’s (DEF) NY NY Dueling Pianos brought together community partners and leaders for an unforgettable night. Teachers, community members, members of the Board of Education, and County Commissioners created a night of harmony, fundraising and fun that will benefit the teachers and students of Dare County Schools.
Held at historic 108 Budleigh in Manteo, the electrifying energy of NY NY Dueling Pianos created a night of unparalleled excitement and philanthropy. With the generous contribution of event sponsors, TowneBank, BeachGlo Aesthetics, Carolina Designs, and Kellogg Supply Company, alongside support from additional businesses and donors, the event profited over $40,600, which significantly increases financial support of DEF’s mission to provide exceptional education opportunities for all students.
The event featured an exhilarating live auction with packages generously donated by local businesses and individuals, including artist Jill Block, Captain Bob’s Charters, The Inn on Pamlico Sound, and Coastal Sols. Dream vacations to Bali and to Chicago’s Wrigley Field were also auctioned off thanks to the support of the travel agency, Philantopia. Excitement was high as bidders raised nearly $7,000 to support classroom grants, professional development and student scholarships.

NY NY Dueling Pianos was the highlight of the night. Geniuses at turning any request into a high-energy and entertaining performance, the piano duo had guests dancing and singing along to iconic tunes. Requests from the audience raised an impressive $2,100, further amplifying the event’s impact on Dare County’s educational landscape.
Mia’s Bake Shop and Tea House, Shore Coffee Roasters, Lost Colony Brewery, Swells’a Brewing, Kiiind Cocktails, Barrier Island Bagels and a range of fine wines selected by Empire Distributors provided the perfect backdrop for the night.
It was an unforgettable evening of community support, and knowing the community is behind education is crucial as DEF aims to raise $200,000 to continue enriching the educational experience for students across Dare County.
For those who missed the event but wish to help DEF make a great school system even better, donations can be made online at www.dareeducationfoundation.org/donate. Together, exceptional education can be the reality for every student in Dare County.
The Dare Education Foundation is grateful to all of the businesses that contributed to this event:
Maestro Sponsor
- TowneBank
Composer Sponsors
- Kellogg Building Supply
- Carolina Designs
- BeachGlo Aesthetics

Keys Sponsors
- Mia’s Bake Shop & Tea Room
- Outer Banks Health
- Shore Coffee Roasters
- Felthousen & Parker Law
- Outer Banks This Week
- Jane Webster
- Miller’s Waterfront Restaurant
- Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Business Donors
- Fearing Family, 108 Budleigh
- Paul Charron, Lost Colony Brewery
- Shore Coffee Roasters
- Tony DiBernardo
- Tranquil House Inn
- Food Lion Southern Shores
- Shooters on the Beach
- Kamea Blake
- Kiiind Cocktails
- Metro Rentals
- Swells’a Brewing
- Empire Distributors

Auction Donors
- Captain Bob Charters
- TW’s
- Pamlico Inn
- Sticky Bottom Oysters
- Coastal Sol
- Jill Block
- Confetti Travel
- Bad Bean
- Shore Coffee
- Colington Cafe
- Salt Box
- Mama Kwans
- Zen and Zip
- Tortugas
- Modern Beach House
- French Door
- Seascape
- Black Pelican
- Outer Banks Tennis Association
- Bernie’s Brother
- The Pony and the Boat
- Aqua Spa
- Lotus Day Spa
- Shay Leslie
- Shipwrecks Tavern
- Sandtrap Tavern
- Trio