Bedford Teachers to Face Off at Volleyball Benefit March 3

PHOTO: BTA benefit volleyball game, 2015/BTA on Facebook

Bedford Central School District teachers will take each other on in a friendly competition at the net on Thursday -- to benefit The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.

Members of the Bedford Teachers Association don’t only teach math, science, English and other academic subjects. They play volleyball for charity!

WHEN: 6 pm March 3

WHERE: the Fox Lane High School gym

WHAT: to benefit the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry. Donations for the Pantry will also be collected at the game. The Pantry is requesting rice, beans, cereal and pasta. Cash donations are also encouraged: for every $1 donated, the Pantry can buy $4 worth of groceries.

“Bedford teachers see first-hand the difference The Mount Kisco Food Pantry makes in the lives and in the academic success of children and we are proud to continue our support of this outstanding organization,” said Michael Groake, BTA Union President in a prepared statement.

This is the fourth year the teachers have hosted the volleyball game to benefit The Pantry, and union officials say students and their families enjoy the spirited competition.

The Bedford Teachers Association is a long-time supporter of the Pantry. For many years they have hosted a food drive, encouraging students throughout the district to contribute. Last year’s efforts raised more than $5,000 and contributed almost 4,000 pounds of food.

This year’s drive started Feb. 22 and runs to March 17.

“We’re so grateful to the Bedford Teacher’s Association for their ongoing support,” said Pantry Board President Robert Cummings. “After the holidays, our donations tend to drop off, but the families we serve still need The Pantry’s help to make ends meet. These events are perfectly timed and especially appreciated.”

The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry is a community based nonprofit run almost entirely by volunteers. The Pantry serves 32,000 people annually – roughly 270 families a week - providing healthy food choices for four days worth of complete meals. In addition to food distributions, the Pantry also offers clients a broad range of nutrition education and preventative health services.