Diamonds connote sparkling strength and everlasting commitment while denim can make one think of hard work and durability.
The combination of those thoughts is an apt description of the dreams the Bedford Education Foundation (BEF) holds for Bedford Public School students.
And the group puts the money and support alongside their hopes and dreams.
On March 9, the BEF held its biggest fundraiser of the year, a Denim and Diamonds themed Bash. Around 200 supporters came out to the Café Escadrille in Burlington, including parents of current and former students, Bedford school alumni, Bedford business sponsors and partners, community leaders, Bedford Public Schools staff and administrators, and other community members.
Through ticket sales, donations, sponsorships, and a silent auction, the event raised $23,000 that will all go to support programs that enrich the education, community, and experience of students across all four Bedford Public Schools. Some of the most recent grants brought field trips, books, specialized iPads, a greenhouse, a hydroponic growing system, engineering materials, art classroom supplies, specialized classroom furniture, and more to the Davis, Lane, JGMS, and BHS community.
BEF President Jennifer Kelley said, “This was a record-breaking year for business sponsorships, and we could not be more grateful. It cannot be overstated that without these local partners, the Bash, and therefore the wonderful initiatives the BEF supports, would not be possible.”
In addition to the multitude of sponsors and donors, Kelley credits the Bash team for their dedication and creativity.
“It’s not always easy re-creating the success of this event and striving to do even better each year,” Kelley notes, “but the group feels that the Bash has a certain reputation to live up to at this point, and the results are always worth it. It’s an amazing group effort, and this was the most successful Bash yet.”
2024 BEF Denim and Diamond Bash corporate sponsors included: Werfen; Barrett Sotheby’s International Realty; Brookline Bank; Emerson Dental; AspenTech; Middlesex Savings Bank; Suzanne & Company; Brown & Brown, P.C.; Engel & Volkers Coduri Magnus Team; Lexington Toyota; Bedford Pediatrics; Coppe & Sears Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics; Frank W. Thompson Lodge; Incognito Global Travel; Callahan’s Karate; Carleton-Willard Village; Jessica Leavell, Ph.D.; Bill Poirier at New American Funding; The Residence at Bedford; Colbath CPA; Marian P. Abraham, P.C.; The Bedford Citizen; Design 1 Kitchen & Bath; Bedford Orthodontics; and Bissias Mortgage Lending Team, with many more businesses and individuals donating silent auction items.
The BEF Planning committee included: Christine McLellan, Audrey Gould, Christine Smith, Ashlee Santerre, Jenn Hagan, Jana Magnus, Gretchen Kind, Cindy Tulimieri, Jen Kelley, Elena Pellegrino, and Melissa Stevens.
Kelley and the BEF team send a thank you to all the BEF Denim and Diamonds Bash donors for their generosity and support. The BEF is also looking for new volunteers. Interested parties can email Kelley at [email protected]. Donations to the BEF can be made throughout the year at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/68d175f3-ea24-4a3a-bfdb-f170ac5fa0e8.
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