The Scarborough Education Foundation kicked off its fifth annual harvest celebration and fundraiser on Oct. 15 with great music, an extensive silent auction and a cross-section of parents, civic leaders and members of the school department congregating to support a common goal: promoting academic excellence.
“The Scarborough Education Foundation started five years ago, and it’s been outstanding,” said Jo Anne Sizemore, assistant superintendent of Scarborough schools. “They have helped the schools bring in new, innovative ideas that we couldn’t have without their help. Plays, musical instruments, STEM initiatives, technology. They have become part of the fabric of our community.”
“Since 2012, the foundation has awarded over $105,000 in grants,” said foundation board member Betsy Chalmers, who attended with her husband, Josh. “That’s roughly $30,000 to $35,000 per grant cycle.”
The Seaside Square Pavilion at Bayley’s Camping Resort felt like a rustic, cozy barn, replete with bales of hay, pumpkins and the Don Campbell Band performing a toe-tapping mix of country and old-school rock and roll as guests mingled and tested the dance floor.
Erik and Faye Maier caught up with friends Stacy and Eric Duguay of Scarborough. Amy and Greg Daly joined Cybele and Rich Brooks. Dr. Peter Amann was accompanied by his wife, Colleen.
“We’re doing something new this year,” explained board member Andrea Fravert, who attended with her husband, Corey. “It’s on-site crowdfunding for a special fund to send one of our teachers to Teacher’s College Summer Institute, which costs $3,000.”
“We are thrilled to be able to gather the support of our harvest guests, who have already shown such generosity tonight, to help fund this life-changing experience,” said fellow board member Bryan Shumway, who was joined by his wife, Jen.
Party-goers were bundled up and sipped on spirits while the evening’s emcee, Gregg Lagerquist, evening anchor on WGME 13, rallied the crowd to help fund the tuition. Julie Kukenberger, the town’s new superintendent, lent him a hand.
The crowd raised just over $3,100 on the spot, which the school system matched, in order to send a second teacher along.
“If you can dream it, it can happen in Scarborough,” said Kukenberger.
Margaret Logan is a freelance writer who lives in Scarborough. She can be reached at:
margaret08logan@gmail.com
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