On Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, Shabain Farms & Event Center will open its doors to the Inaugural Money Box Academy Gala. The evening will unite business leaders, community advocates and changemakers under a single mission: building financially intelligent and resilient communities.

The featured speaker for the event is nationally acclaimed financial coach, best-selling author and media personality Anthony O’Neal. Known for his powerful approach to financial freedom and debt elimination, O’Neal has inspired millions across the country. His keynote address in Fayetteville marks a major milestone for Money Box Academy, a nonprofit founded to close financial literacy gaps and empower families to build generational wealth.

The gala’s theme, “The Vault is Open,” speaks to unlocking access to knowledge, opportunity and resources.  In addition to the keynote speech, guests can enjoy live music, fine dining and curated networking.

The program will also spotlight a lineup of honorees whose work has shaped the financial education landscape locally, nationally and internationally. 

• Lakeisha Rolle, founder of The Financial Academy in the Bahamas, will be recognized for her groundbreaking work in empowering youth and adults across the Caribbean. 
• Coach Rachel Hanible of Philadelphia, recently named the 2025 National Financial Education Instructor of the Year by the Financial Education Council, will be honored for her transformative teaching and advocacy. 
• Jerome Scott, widely known as “The Insurance Guy,” will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of service, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to strengthening families through financial security and education.

In addition to these nationally and internationally recognized leaders, five additional honorees will be celebrated for their extraordinary contributions to advancing financial literacy and for their tireless support of Money Box Academy’s mission. Their work reflects the diversity, innovation and dedication that has fueled the growth of this movement and pushed the organization forward to new heights. 

“This night is more than a fundraiser, it is a movement,” said Founder and President of Money Box Academy Crystal McLean in a press release. “We are gathering the people who believe in creating lasting change for families, students and entrepreneurs. Anthony’s presence, combined with the recognition of leaders like Lakeisha Rolle, Rachel Hanible, Jerome Scott and our other honorees, signals to our community that the conversation around money, resilience and opportunity belongs right here in Fayetteville.”

Attendees can expect an atmosphere equal parts celebratory and catalytic, with proceeds funding expanded programs for youth, families, and small business owners across North Carolina.

For ticket information visit: https://moneyboxacademy.info/home.