Auction raises $15k for Marshwood schools

In only its second year, the Marshwood Education Foundation raised $14,750 at its annual Oktoberfest dinner and auction Friday, Oct. 15 at the Spring Hill Restaurant in an event attended by more than 200 people.

“This doubles the amount raised last year,” said MEF President Rachel Martin. “We’re thrilled, and it warms your heart to see everybody here and it being sold out. There’s such support from the community, it’s fabulous.”

Like many at the event, Martin became involved because she has kids in the schools and wants to ensure that creative programs in the arts, music and sciences continue to play an important role, especially during tough economic times.

“I know budgets are tight so it’s a way to get teachers to expand their knowledge,” said Susan Wellhofer, while her husband, Dan Kelsey, likes that the foundation supports the arts and may well help prevent programs from being eliminated.

“I think this is fabulous,” said parent Paul Stanley. Paul and his wife, Heather, have two children in the Marshwood schools, one in fifth grade and one in second grade. “We’re friends with some of the people who organized it and they put a ton of work into it. They did a great job, a great turnout.”
“It’s a great school system and if I didn’t think they were doing all the right things, I’d be more hesitant about donating my money,” said parent Randy Carey. “I have one son who graduated from Marshwood and another son starting 1st grade at Eliot Elementary…;we have a vested interest: at least you see where your money’s going.”

“I like our community and that there are so many people involved in the school. I have four children who are at different levels — a third-, a fifth-, a seventh- and a ninth-grader at four different schools,” said parent Diana Flynn. “Each child has found a niche at the schools — there are so many opportunities. I like that our parents are involved and care about our kids education. It’s a great thing that they’ve started and I’m here to learn more about it.”

MEF grants are available to teachers or students within the district, which includes both Eliot and South Berwick, for innovative and creative projects that fall outside the funding priorities of the regular school budget, Martin said. In the past, these grants have funded projects such as an athletic trail at Marshwood Great Works School, Yoga in the classroom, and solar panels at the high school.

“We’re so grateful and thankful for all the volunteers who’ve helped and all the donations from individuals, businesses and organizations,” she said.