40 Years of Totally Awesome!
From technology to the performing arts, the Bexley Education Foundation has been a leading force for innovative teaching and learning in the Bexley Schools since 1983 making the organization not only awesome but amazing! The Foundation kicked off its 40th anniversary year by hosting an 80’s party for its annual BRAVO! fundraising event. Founded by parents and community leaders as the Bexley Education Fund in September 1983, the Bexley Education Foundation (as it is now known) has served as a model for similar organizations across the country that seek private support for public school districts.
From its very beginning the Foundation had big dreams for Bexley students and teachers. Dreams that could grow and flourish by channeling private support into the schools (independent of public funding sources). When the school district dreamed of bringing computer technology into the schools, it turned to the Foundation. In 1987, a “Megabytes Party'' hosted by Steve and Judy Tuckerman recognized donors who contributed to the purchase of school computers. The computers actually cost $1,119 each so that was the cost for two guests to attend the party!
A campaign in 1995 raised $1 million to support a sophisticated technology program for the Bexley Schools and start an endowment for the Foundation. Fast forward to 2001 and the Campaign for the Performing Arts which raised $2.2 million to support the renovation of the Bexley High School theater, the Cassingham theater and the performance space at Maryland Elementary School.
For the past 20+ years, thanks to generous donor support, the Foundation has responded to the needs of the Bexley City Schools with major grants for advanced technologies in the classrooms and most recently to provide a laptop for every student in the district. While technology has become an important tool for individualized learning, the social and emotional needs of Bexley students have also been a focus of Foundation grant making. Recent grants have funded programs and projects that promote greater equity, academic enhancement and student engagement across the school district.
What will the next 40 years look like? With the support of Bexley parents, our community, alumni and many friends, the Foundation can continue to meet present challenges, take advantage of opportunities and evolve to meet the needs of future generations of Bexley students.
Check out the photos from our 40th anniversary celebratory event, BRAVO! It’s An 80’s Party online in The Bubble. Learn more about the work of the Foundation by visiting our website, bexleyeducationfoundation.org and following us on Facebook and Twitter.
