COVID-19 Relief Efforts – We have received many requests about how our community can help. This fund established through the BEF will support food distribution to our youth 18 and under, technology and hotspot access, as well as other immediate family needs that arise during this pandemic. We appreciate your support of our youth and their families who are struggling during this time.
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.
Priority Giving Areas
The Board of Directors has approved three priority areas for giving in 2021.
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 the younger grades to transport home. We also provide support to homeless or struggling youth around basic needs (clothing, food, books, etc.)
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 $14,521.56 in teacher mini-grants.
Fundraisers in 2021 – Updated as new fundraisers are added.
The following fundraisers will support the above priority areas in 2021. 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 “COVID-19 Relief Efforts.” All funds raised will support food distribution to our youth 18 and under, technology access, as well as other immediate family needs during this time.
Commemorative Marching Band Pillows – $50 each
These commemorative pillows are made from the old uniforms thanks to our parent volunteer and Marching Band alum Jessica (Bedard) Johnson ’00. We have a limited number available and they are made upon order. All funds raised will benefit the marching band.
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 Karen Chasse at 391-6885.
Support is always appreciated.
Simply click the “Donate Here” button above to give now or call 207-391-6885.
Shout Out to our Past Pillars of Pride Recipients
2020 – 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: Karen Chasse, Director of Community Outreach and Development
Treasurer: Terry Gauvin, Business Manager
Directors:
Liz Ames, Teacher
Denise D’Entremont, Community Member
Kerrie Edgerton, Parent
Heather Gendron, Community Member
Michele Landry, Parent
John McCurry, Municipal Elected Official
Jeremy Ray, Superintendent
Keith Jacques, Esq., Woodman and Edmonds (Clerk)
Karen Chasse, Foundation President
18 Maplewood Avenue, Biddeford, ME 04005
207-391-6885 • kchasse@biddefordschools.me