Decked in every imaginable variation on 80’s garb, Bedford came out en masse on January 30^th, 2016 to support the Bedford Education Foundation at its annual Winter Bash. From big haired rock stars to neon-clad valley girls, and just about every iconic 80’s movie character in between, our incredible community helped raise almost $23,000 to support creativity and innovation in Bedford’s schools. Well over 200 guests danced non-stop to classic DJ- provided 80’s tunes, and were treated to plethora of nostalgic activities, including trivia, prom-style photos, vintage Atari games, a video clip montage, and yes, even glowing neon drinkware. No thematic detail was spared in bringing the 80’s back to Bedford for one amazing night.

When the original four members of the Bash Committee first met to brainstorm new ideas for the fundraiser, the concept of an 80s-themed party emerged slowly at first, but quickly stood above the rest as the most fun-filled and imaginative way to go. The event committee and BEF board aimed to involve community members who experienced the entire decade at different life phases and from different perspectives. “We truly felt the theme would have something for everyone”, explains BEF Co-president Jennifer Kelley, “and once the concept was born, the ideas didn’t stop flowing for about five months!”

PHOTO: 2016 BEF Bash Committee: Meg McAllister, Lisa Gedaminsky, Lisa Harrell, Jennifer Kelley

The funds raised from the Bash, which exceeded those raised from last year’s Bash by close to $10,000, will go directly towards the funding of teacher-directed grants in all four of Bedford’s schools. After being able to allocate $15,000 to nine different grants this past Fall, the BEF Grant Committee is looking forward to another successful cycle in July, thanks in large part to the overwhelming response to the Back to the 80’s event.

The entire BEF board would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to the many volunteers, including several school administrators, who lent so much of their time and creativity to help this event become a fantastic reality. Huge thanks also goes out to Creative Images Boston for donating their amazing photography services, taking fabulous prom style keepsakes.

Finally, a very special thank you to the BEF corporate sponsors, as well as to the local businesses who donated items and services for the silent auction and raffle, for their incredible generosity. The funds raised will go directly to future teacher grants, and this would not have been possible without their support and commitment to the community.

• Magna Cum Laude: Brookline Bank, Hanscom Federal Credit Union, The Higgins Group Realtors, Middlesex Savings Bank, Suzanne & Company
• Cum Laude: Michael R. Coppe DMD & Carolyn Coppe DMD, Law Offices of Sonja B. Selami, P.C.
• Friends of the BEF: Bedford Family & Laser Dentistry, Bill Poirier of Berkshire Bank, Brown & Brown, P.C., Chris K. Smith of Capstone Mortgage, Red Heat Tavern

Candid photos from the Back to the 80’s BEF Bash can be found here!
80’s prom style photos taken by Creative Images Boston can be found here!