Beverly School Raises $7K For Outdoor Music Memorial

BEVERLY, MA — A planned outdoor music memorial to honor several former students and teachers at Beverly's Kevin O'Grady School got a big boost from the school's Walk & Roll fundraiser.

Students, staff and family members combined to raise $7,000 at the fundraiser, which included participants walking or rolling around the school 10 times. There was also music, ice cream and socializing.

Money raised will go toward the installation of the outdoor music space and will include

several instruments fitted for outdoor use.

"This will be a special spot for students and staff to gather while remembering and honoring those who hold a special place in our hearts," NorthshoreEducation Consortium Executive Director Fran Rosenberg said. "I want to thank everyone who donated for their generosity and all those who participated for their enthusiasm."

The Beverly school provides education and therapeutic support to students ages 3 to 22 with moderate or severe special needs, including complex medical needs, physical disabilities, multiple disabilities, visual or hearing impairment, autism, and intellectual disabilities.

"This was a fantastic way for the community to get out and enjoy the fresh air with their family and friends while supporting a great cause," Family Center Director Sheila Guiney. "Many in our student population have varying abilities, and I know that students truly enjoyed participating in an activity that was inclusive to all."

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)