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Last Saturday, on a beautiful autumn evening, 450 guests gathered under a tent on the Medfield State Hospital property at the Medfield Coalition for Public Education (MCPE) Fall Ball. MCPE hosted the “Oh, the Places Our Kids Will Go!” themed event and a weeklong online auction to raise funds to support K-12 public education in Medfield.
“We are thrilled by the success of these fundraisers,” said Fall Ball Co-Chair Wendi Ayer. “Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers, the valuable donations from corporate sponsors and the community, and the generosity of our guests, we raised over $70,000 – 35 percent more than our goal.” Ayer also highlighted the help MCPE received from the Town of Medfield, which served as an important partner in addressing key issues such as permitting and site logistics.
Master of Ceremonies Rick Cram led the gathering through the magical evening of food, fun, music and dancing, as all connected with their friends and neighbors. Kim Price, Fall Ball Co-Chair, explained: “This bi-annual event is a great opportunity for Medfield residents to celebrate what is special about our town, including our strong and supportive community and our amazing public schools.”
Attendees showcased their commitment to the school system by donating to each of Medfield’s five public schools. Partygoers provided funding for new tools, such as wireless microphones with desktop tripods, to improve student presentations at Blake Middle School. Medfield High School will purchase a new 3D printer with donations to its “Fund-a-Grant” request. In addition, Memorial, Wheelock and Dale Street Schools all received generous cash and pledge contributions to support initiatives that foster creativity and collaboration.
Throughout the evening, guests admired the framed artwork of the finalists in the MCPE student art competition, and helped select the grand prize winner by making cash donations as “votes” for their favorite piece. Dale Street School student Katie Keating’s poster was chosen as the winning design. In recognition of her selection, Katie will receive a gift basket of art supplies.
In conjunction with the Fall Ball, MCPE hosted an online auction that generated more than $40,000. The auction featured over one hundred unforgettable experiences and desirable products and services, many donated by local businesses and community members. Bidders competed for items including an Invisalign Treatment from Medfield Orthodontics, an evening of wine and beer tasting at Larkin’s SpeakEasy, a cooking class at Cutlets, and much more. All auction proceeds will be used to support MCPE grants.
“During the 2015-2016 academic year, MCPE funded over $117,000 in grants to the Medfield Public Schools,” noted MCPE Co-President Laura Mulready. “Each month, Medfield teachers and administrators submit well-researched and thoughtfully written grant requests to MCPE for a wide variety of innovative programs, technology and equipment. The funds raised at this year’s Fall Ball will enable us to continue funding these worthy grants that enrich our children’s academic experience.”
MCPE’s next fundraiser will be its annual Community Trivia Night, to be held at the American Legion in Medfield on Friday October 21. Visit www.medfieldcoalition.org for more information.
