Annual event honors outstanding service while supporting student needs and classroom learning.
The Biddeford Education Foundation (BEF) raised $13,500 at its Ninth Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction. The funds will help the Foundation assist students and families facing hardship and provide teachers with resources for creative classroom projects without using taxpayer dollars. The event, held on October 10, 2026, honored the late Robert “Bob” Davies, a longtime Biddeford mathematics teacher, and MaineHealth Sports Performance and Physical Therapy, a valued partner in the health and recovery of Biddeford student athletes.
Davies devoted nearly 25 years to the Biddeford School Department. He began teaching at Biddeford Junior High School in 1966 and transferred to Biddeford High School in 1975. He was selected as a Pillar of Pride because of his patience, engaging instruction, and commitment to helping students of all abilities succeed. Former Biddeford educator Alan Casavant accepted the award on behalf of Davies’ family, who were unable to attend.
MaineHealth Sports Performance and Physical Therapy was recognized for providing accessible athletic training, injury evaluation, on-site rehabilitation, and connections to specialized care for Biddeford student-athletes. Its team supports students not only through physical recovery, but also through the emotional challenges of an injury, helping them rebuild confidence and return safely to the activities they love.
“Bob Davies and MaineHealth Sports Performance and Physical Therapy represent two different forms of service, but both have always placed students first,” said Superintendent Jeremy Ray. “Whether helping a student work through a difficult lesson or guiding an athlete through recovery, they have provided the patience, expertise, and encouragement young people need to move forward with confidence. We are proud to recognize them as true Pillars of Pride.”
While the event celebrates individuals and organizations that have made a lasting difference in Biddeford schools, its impact extends well beyond the evening. As a nonprofit organization, the Biddeford Education Foundation raises private funds to address student needs and provide educational opportunities that are not covered by the regular school budget. Community support allows the Foundation to respond when students need food, clothing, emergency housing assistance, winter gear, or other essentials without placing those costs on local taxpayers.
Approximately 62% of Biddeford students are considered economically disadvantaged, and many families experience food or housing insecurity. Last year, the Biddeford Education Foundation supported 263 students through its Backpack Program and provided $55,000 in food for evenings, weekends, and school vacation weeks. The Foundation also invested $32,900 in emergency rent and utility assistance to help families maintain safe, stable housing and provided $4,000 in clothing so students had the basic necessities to attend school. As the need continues to grow, community support allows the Foundation to provide critical assistance so students can come to school ready to learn.
Community donations also make it possible for the Foundation to support teachers who have creative ideas for enriching student learning. Over the past decade, the Biddeford Education Foundation has invested $27,358 in teacher mini grants, helping educators introduce creative and enriching opportunities for students throughout the district. These grants enhance the curriculum, encourage exploration, and give teachers the flexibility to transform promising ideas into meaningful learning experiences. During the past year alone, projects supported by Foundation mini grants benefited 1,651 Biddeford students.
“The $13,500 raised represents much more than the success of one evening. It represents meals, warm clothing, housing stability, and learning experiences that might not otherwise be possible,” said Foundation President Shelley Kane. “Every sponsor, donor, attendee, and volunteer helps us respond when a student or family faces an urgent need. Their support also gives our teachers the resources to bring meaningful ideas to life. This is what can happen when a community comes together for its children.”
Commemorative plaques honoring both recipients will be permanently displayed at Biddeford High School. Davies’ plaque will recognize his lasting influence as an educator. MaineHealth’s plaque will be placed outside the athletic trainer’s office in Tiger Gym.
The Foundation extends special appreciation to Platinum Sponsor Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating; Gold Sponsors Maine Community Bank, Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, and Paquin & Carroll Insurance; Bronze Sponsors Great Falls Construction, Animal Hospital of Saco, Brown Dog Carriers, the Rotary Club of Biddeford Saco, Locke & Sons Plumbing and Heating, and Diverse Anecdote; and Black and Orange Sponsors Rousseau Insurance, Academy of Dance, Kennebunk Savings, and Randy Forcier of CMG Home Loans.
The Foundation also thanks the local businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction; Mike Bouthillette for providing DJ services; the staff of The Lincoln Hotel and Batson River Brewing; and the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology Culinary Arts students, who prepared desserts for the event. For more information about the Biddeford Education Foundation or to support its work, visit the Biddeford School Department website or contact Foundation President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.
PHOTO ABOVE: MaineHealth Sports Performance and Physical Therapy staff. Photo Credit: Maureen Grandmaison Photography