The Bristol Warren Education Foundation (BWEF),in partnership with Medical Associates of Rhode Island (MARI),will hold a virtual event this year in lieu of the 13th Annual Bee.
The Annual Bee is the premier fundraising event of the BWEF calendar year. In 2020, the event was cancelled due to the novel coronavirus, Covid-19. In 2021, the BWEF Board of Directors and Bee co-chairs Melanie Michaud and Melissa Tempestini, decided that a virtual event would be the right choice as the pandemic continues.
'With the unknowns regarding the health and safety of our communities, we felt hosting a virtual celebration that will feature not only our schools, but our community at large, would be a great way to say thank you to all who have supported us throughout the years, and especially this year,' said Bee Co-Chair Melanie Michaud.
The evening will highlight the Star Teachers for 2021 – one from each school in the Bristol Warren Regional School District - as chosen by the graduating classes of each district school. This is always one of the highlights of the event, as we recognize the incredible teachers who work tirelessly across all schools of the BWRSD. BWEF is thrilled to continue that tradition virtually.
Additionally, local entertainer Andre Arsenault, as well as the Community Strings Project, and selections by the Mt. Hope High School chorus will delight attendees. Messages of thanks to the schools, teachers, and community will be offered throughout the evening from students, administrators, and BWEF.
"This year's event is free and completely virtual, so your whole family can participate! We hope families and community members across our communities will mark their calendars and join us to celebrate together," said Bee Co-Chair Melissa Tempestini.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on items before, during, and after the event through the online auction. All proceeds from the auction, as well as any donations throughout the evening, will benefit future grant funding.
BWEF Board Chairperson, Darcy DaCosta, noted the importance of recognizing community members who have supported BWEF over the last year, 'The members of this community have come together and in their own way supported our educators, students, and families through this incredible time. Through the support of our sponsors and the ingenuity of our educators, BWEF was able to continue its mission in the Covid-era through innovative execution of traditional grants, and fresh, new Just in Time endeavors. It is fitting that our event this year support, in part, those who have supported us.'
The Bee Presents: A Celebration of Community will be held virtually on Saturday, June 5 from 6:30 – 8pm. Members of the community may RSVP online at bwedfoundation.org.
