MARBLEHEAD — It's good to have friends. In fact, this year it's $100,000 to the good for this town's school kids.
That's the amount raised by the Friends of Marblehead Public Schools, which gets its money mainly here in town and then provides grants to public school teachers. In the face of an uncertain economy, the $100,000 marks the first time the group has raised so much money.
"Often the grants they approve are pilot programs," said the School Committee's Patricia Blackmer. In other words, the money helps schools put into practice innovative ideas that might seem a little too risky to win scarce taxpayer funds.
"They allow the teachers to have the resources and put creativity into action," said Blackmer.
Friends president Beezee Honan cites a favorite example of what the grants can do — creating a high school class dedicated to model yacht building. Yacht building, of course, is a traditional Marblehead industry going back more than a century.
"We funded it for two years," Honan said, "then it became self-supporting." At that point, kids were able to pay the bills themselves by selling the models they made.
"I love all the grants," Honan said. "We really try to reach every child in the Marblehead school system."
Three events provide the financing, including a wine tasting at Shubie's, a fund drive and the Summer Soiree, an affair mounted at a private seaside home in Marblehead that includes a raffle.
More than 70 percent of the grant money comes from the Soiree. Honan added, "We are looking for an additional vehicle to generate more revenue."
She isn't surprised that Marbleheaders reached deep to finance the schools. Local people understand the importance of investing in the education of our kids, she said. "Unlike stocks, it always pays off."
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
