The Biddeford Education Foundation honored the Rotary Club of Biddeford-Saco, a longtime community partner and contributor to learning, at its Seventh Annual Pillars of Pride Oct. 19. The dinner and silent auction raised over $17,000 for the foundation, which provides resources outside the school budget to enhance learning opportunities, assists students in need of food, clothing, and shelter, and supports teacher mini-grants to maximize opportunities for students Pre-K through grade 12, according to a press release from the Biddeford School Department.

“It is no secret that Rotarians of the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club take humble steps every day to improve our community and have made a significant impact on the youth in Biddeford,” said Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Ray. “Having exceeded half a million dollars in contributions to support our students since January 2000, it is impressive how they genuinely care about and have maximized opportunities for the youth in our community. We are so fortunate to have these pillars in our community.”

Ray highlighted the support given by local Rotarians, including, but not limited to, investing over $360,000 in vocational education at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology, comprising the building and renovation of multiple houses by students, purchasing the first industrial 3-D printer in 2008, and implementing the Plumbing & Heating program; granting over $83,000 in scholarships to Biddeford High School and BRCOT students to further their secondary education and giving over $25,000 to support performing arts and athletics teams, such as the Waterhouse Field Renovation, revitalizing the Marching Band and the creation of the Unified Sports Bocce Ball courts.

Rotary Club President Bill Paterson spoke following the presentation of a plaque that will be placed in the club’s honor at the new addition of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology. “This is a wonderful honor and certainly an appropriate place for students to see we care about all three communities we serve,” he said. “Rotary’s primary motto is ‘Service Above Self’ because it best represents our philosophy of selfless volunteer service. We are able to provide this level of contribution thanks to Rotarians’ countless hours of service and community members who support our fundraising efforts throughout the year.”

Biddeford Education Foundation President Shelley Kane discussed the challenging times  families are facing, including homelessness being at an all-time high. “In Biddeford Schools alone, we have 134 homeless students, which is an increase of 298% compared to five years ago,” she said. “Thanks to this annual BEF fundraiser and organizations like Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club, our families are able to access emergency funding to at least alleviate some of the urgent needs.”

According to the United Way’s ALICE – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – Report released last year, a basic household survival budget in York County for two adults and two children is $97,222, of which $48,000, or 50%, goes directly to rent and childcare. This leaves the remaining 50% for utilities, heat, transportation, food, and clothing, which is hard to cover with the rising costs. To learn more about ALICE, visit unitedforalice.org/state-overview/maine.

The ability to help local families in need through this major fundraiser, according to the release, is made possible thanks to the following: Platinum Sponsor – Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating and Provencher Fuels; Gold Sponsors – Maine Community Bank, Saco & Biddeford Savings, and Paquin & Carroll Insurance; Silver Sponsors – Town & Country Federal Credit Union, The Lincoln Hotel, and Batson River Brewing & Distilling; Bronze Sponsors – PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Great Falls Construction, Locke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, Saco Animal Hospital, Brown Dog Carriers, Dance with Me, and Diverse Anecdote; Black & Orange Sponsors – Rousseau Insurance Agency, Kennebunk Savings, and Atlantic Federal Credit Union; and the many local businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction.

For more information about the Biddeford Education Foundation, visit the Biddeford School Department’s website and click on the Giving Tab or contact President Shelley Kane at 207-391-6885.