Educated Tastes 2008

The Lexington Education Foundation held the 19th annual Educated Tastes on March 2, 2008. Attended by over 400 people, this sold-out event buzzed with energy as friends and teachers gathered to support Lexington’s public school system. With the help of a committee of tireless volunteers, Event Managers Sue Schiffer, Jean Birnberg and Lynne King orchestrated a beautiful and festive evening that raised over $88,000 to support education programs funded by LEF.

The evening started with appetizers and music. The Lexington High School Jazz Combo, led by Jeff Leonard, entertained while attendees enjoyed cocktails, food, and bidding on many silent auction items. Guests then moved into the main ballroom where Jordan Rich, a professional auctioneer, led a fun (and competitive) live auction. LEF’s co-President, Jim DeVellis, was appropriately outfitted for each of the four live auction items – a Red Sox shirt and hat for the signed Red Sox memorabilia, wine glasses and evening wear for a dinner for six at Dayla’s, Celtics gear for the premium Celtics tickets, and beach wear for the Cape Cod vacation house. Bids were high – resulting in $7,000 raised from the live auction alone.

Dinner was then served. Twenty-eight Boston-area restaurants and caterers contributed their time and mouth-watering delicacies. The evening was supported by dozens of area businesses which donated auction items, money, and decorations.

Co-President Janine Cohen noted that the evening not only raised money, but brought townsfolk together for a common cause. “We are proud to be part of a community that consistently shows such incredible support for our public school children. We owe a huge thanks to all our supporters!”

Proceeds from Educated Tastes have contributed significantly to the more than $2 million in grants and fellowships that LEF has awarded since 1991. LEF is an independent, 501(c) (3) charitable organization founded to enhance educational excellence for the children of Lexington Public Schools. It finances educational opportunities outside the scope of the school operating budget and targets areas such as innovation in curriculum and instruction, professional development, and teacher mentoring.