BETHLEHEM, PA – The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District hosted its 3rd Annual Celebration Dinner on Tuesday, March 20th at Sands Event Center, raising over $60,000 in net proceeds to support their mission – to enhance the learning opportunities for all students of the Bethlehem Area School District.
Over 450 guests enjoyed interactive student expos, integrated student musical performance, dynamic décor, placing bids on Silent Auction items, and a friendly game of “Are You Smarter than a BASD 5th Grader?” trivia game. The student expos featured several Teacher Innovation awarded grants, including Hands in the Sand – a topography simulated sandbox, and Virtual Reality Field Trips – virtual reality technology used to take students around the world. Before dinner, a powerful integrated musical performance of over 70 students from Liberty and Freedom high schools was a highlight of the evening. The décor throughout the event space featured many photographs of students emphasizing Our Leaders of Tomorrow. With over 50 Silent Auction packages, guests enjoyed competing for winning bids on assorted items including student artwork, sports packages, food packages and more. The energy of the event elevated when guests at each table grouped together to compete for the bragging rights to claim they are indeed “Smarter than a BASD 5th Grader”! The entire program of the night was led by elementary, middle and high school student volunteers from across the district.
“Our goal each year is to create a fun environment for BASD supporters to learn about our mission and how we enhance learning opportunities for our students. Thanks to all our dedicated trustees, volunteers, teachers, students, and community supporters, we achieved our goal and raised a remarkable amount of money,” said Julie Bailey, Executive Director of The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District.
All proceeds of the 3rd Annual Celebration Dinner will be used towards Teacher Innovation grants, Service Learning Grants, Curriculum Based Field Trips, Project Lead the Way – Engineering program, Project Lead the Way – Biomedical Science program, Farm to School program, and the newly established Our Leaders of Tomorrow fund.
Created to strengthen, enhance and enrich the educational experiences of the students of the Bethlehem Area School District, The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District was established in 1999. It is governed by a volunteer board of trustees, composed of business and community leaders who lend expertise to the operations of the organization. The Foundation’s focus has been helping educators deliver innovative teaching to students inside and outside the classroom. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Foundation raises funds through tax-deductible contributions to promote innovative educational programs that enhance the existing curriculum of Bethlehem Area School District.
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Bethlehem Area School District
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017
Press Release By:
Julie Bailey
Executive Director
The Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District
TheFoundation@basdschools.org
