Relief Fund – We have received many requests about how our community can help. This fund established through the BEF will support meeting students' basic needs (food insecurity, clothing, etc.) as well as social-emotional aid to ensure they can focus on academics. We appreciate your support of our youth and their families who may be struggling.
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Biddeford Education Foundation
Help Those in Immediate Need
Our Mission
The Biddeford Public School Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to manage and distribute funds raised to enrich the educational experience for the students of Biddeford. Through partnerships with the community and district, the Foundation will provide resources outside the normal school budget to augment teaching, encourage academic excellence, and maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through Grade 12. Our Tax ID # is 22-3233401.
Priority Giving Areas
The Board of Directors has approved three priority areas for giving in 2022.
Trauma/ACEs/Biddeford 365
To date, the BEF has utilized grant funding to assist with ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) training and supporting our students in building resilience. We recognize secondary trauma is also a concern as staff process the trauma their students endure. One of the strategies to support youth is a program called Biddeford 365 – a vacation/summer camp providing youth an environment for healing from and building resilience around ACEs to break the stranglehold of trauma. In partnership with the schools, a safe environment with positive, long-lasting experiences and interactive programming will be offered for underprivileged youth.
Backpack Program & Kids in Need
Food insecurity remains an issue in our community. The District will continue to collaborate with YouthFull Maine and Good Shepherd Food Bank for free farmer’s markets and in-school food pantries but we find the need to purchase additional easy-to-carry, quick meals/snacks for our students to transport home.
We also provide support to homeless or struggling youth around basic needs (clothing, food, books, etc.). We have seen a significant increase in our homeless population and assist families in identifying resources and securing affordable housing so their children are able to focus on learning.
The Foundation continues to support teacher mini-grants allowing educators to think outside the box for innovative learning opportunities that would otherwise not be covered in the normal school budget. To date, the BEF has supported $15,321 in teacher mini-grants.
Fundraisers in 2022 – Updated as new fundraisers are added.
The following fundraisers will support the above priority areas in 2020. As we are in the planning phase, please check back often to learn about new events and opportunities. Links lead to all event pages or order placement.
Simply click the link above and choose “Relief Efforts.” All funds raised will support students' basic needs (food insecurity, clothing, etc.) as well as social-emotional aid to ensure they can focus on academics.
Families may choose to establish memorial funds as a tribute to their loved ones. The funds may be designated to a specific program or where the need is greatest to support students in need.
Cruise for a Cause – Postponed due to COVID-19
We partner with Alumni Jordan Fields and Randy Forcier for the fun Cruise for a Cause on the Casablanca Cruiseline. We hope to continue this traditional cruise out of Portland as soon as we are able.
5th Annual Pillars of Pride Dinner and Silent Auction – Postponed due to COVID-19
This annual event honors two lifelong contributors to learning and all proceeds benefit the BEF’s priority areas. Recipients and date are TBD. It is open to anyone who would like to attend and ticket prices are determined annually. FMI, contact Shelley Kane at 391-6885.
Support is always appreciated.
Simply click here to give now or call 207-391-6885.
Shout Out to our Past Pillars of Pride Recipients
2020-Present – Cancelled due to COVID-19 Restrictions
2019 – Ron Cote & Robert Hodge
2018 – Dana Peck & Sarah Jane Poli
2017 – Lou Chantigny & Bonita Pothier
2016 – Roland Eon & Jim Godbout
Officers and Directors
President: Shelley Kane, Director of Community Outreach and Development
Treasurer: Terry Gauvin, Business Manager
Directors:
Liz Ames, Teacher
Kerrie Edgerton, Parent
Briana Lagasse, Community Member
Michele Landry, Municipal Elected Official
John McCurry, Parent
Jeremy Ray, Superintendent
Keith Jacques, Esq., Woodman and Edmonds (Clerk)
Shelley Kane, Foundation President
18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME 04005
207-391-6885 • skane@biddefordschools.me