BY CHRIS QUARTARONE

The Bedford Education Foundation raised more than $75,000 for the town’s schools at its second annual gala.

On Friday Nov. 2, more than 370 people attended the gala at C.R. Sparks in Bedford, including Superintendent of Schools Tim Mayes and Bedford High School Principal George Edwards.

The Bedford Education Foundation, a nonprofit group composed of a nine-member board,  raised the  money through ticket sales and silent and live auctions, as well as sponsorships from businesses  in Bedford – all to provide additional money for Bedford schools.

“One hundred percent of the money raised will go toward the enrichment of Bedford schools,” said Bedford Education Foundation President Bob Donahue.

This spring, the foundation plans to give out grants to teachers. The group will accept applications and decide where to invest funds.

“The criteria is simple. We try to find out where money will provide the maximum impact on students,” said Donahue.

Last year, the Bedford Education Foundation sent three teachers to a writing workshop at Columbia University in New York City.

The Nov. 2 silent auction included more than 150 items and the live auction had 27 items.  

The three items which raised the most money were a six-day fishing trip to Quebec  that brought in $11,000; four club seat tickets to the Patriots/Jets game with limo service that raised $3,000; and a round of golf for two people at Wellesley Country Club with Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge that raised $3,000.

Mayes said he appreciates everything the Bedford Education Foundation has done for Bedford
schools.

“Seeing the amount of people shows the overwhelming support for our school system,” he said.

Mayes said he and the foundation have a vision to provide more professional development activities for faculty. They hope to set up a technology lab that would be used by kindergarten through eighth-grade students during the day and for professional development by faculty after school.

“In trying to attract good teachers to our district having professional development programs is key,” said Mayes, “It is a big selling point when interviewing teachers.”

The event sponsor was  Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center, which donated $5,000 to the foundation. Other sponsors included Deutsch Bank/Scudder, Autodesk and Coldwell Banker.

According to Donahue, the Bedford Education Foundation’s next goal is to create a $1 million endowment for Bedford schools.

The foundation is in its second year, and Donahue is thankful for community’s support.

“There was a time when we weren’t sure if the foundation would sprout wings, but the momentum has been growing, and we think and hope it will continue,” he said.