Submitted by the Bedford Education Foundation
Click KidsJam Winter Dance Party to print a PDF of this story
Last Saturday night, on March 7th, Bedford children danced away the winter blues at the first ever KidsJam Winter Dance Party to benefit the Bedford Education Foundation (BEF). Thanks to the energetic efforts of Jennifer Buckley of KidsJam, Nancy Griffiths of Kamate Fitness, and their team of volunteers, the event was a huge success. Fifty-five children from second to fifth grade had a blast at the sold-out event as they danced, played games, and were treated to exciting demonstrations by Kamate BodyJam instructors and Callahan’s Karate Instructors. After working up a sweat, the children enjoyed a well-deserved break for a snack provided by Diane Hughes of the Higgins Group and craft time where they learned how to make three-dimensional snowflakes.
In addition to ticket sales, a raffle with items sponsored by local businesses and community members, helped to raise over $1,600 for the BEF. Raffle prizes were donated by Jennifer Buckley, Dr. Mayada Najim of Bedford Family and Laser Dentistry, Patriot Pediatrics, LaserCraze, Patterson’s Dancewear, the Harrell Family, and Kamate Fitness.
BEF member Lisa Harrell, one of the organizers of the event, appreciates the community support, “Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors and families who supported the Bedford Education Foundation in this incredibly fun event.”
“This event started with Jennifer Buckley sending me an email offering to host a dance to support the BEF.” says Meg McAllister, one of the Co-Presidents of the BEF. “Jennifer, along with a team of volunteers, helped make this a great night for so many kids. It is efforts like these that make it possible for the BEF to continue to provide new opportunities for innovative and creative learning for the students of Bedford.”
Jennifer Buckley was thrilled that the event went so well. She told Meg and Lisa, “I personally had a ball. Next time (and I do suggest we do it again next year!), you’ll have to come up on the stage for a bit to see what we see – 55 wonderful faces having fun!”
The BEF is dedicated to enhancing creativity and innovation in the Bedford Public Schools. Twice a year, in July and November, Bedford’s teachers and administrators are invited to apply for BEF grants. Since 2008, the BEF has raised almost $140,000 to fund over 130 innovative and creative grants at all four schools in all disciplines. For a complete listing of funded grants or to learn more information, visit bedfordeducation.org.
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