Lakeland Education Foundation (LEF) Honors Four at the Annual Dinner Dance March 5, 2016

LEF Honors Four Community Members at Annual Dinner Dance

The Lakeland Education Foundation (LEF) honored four distinguished members of the Lakeland Central School District community at its annual Dinner Dance Saturday, March 5, 2016. The LEF raised more than $38,000 this year.

This year’s honorees were Thomas & Vanessa DiLorenzo of Funflatables, Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School Principal Robert Bergmann, and Board of Education Trustee and former LEF Treasurer Michael Daly.

Created in 1994, the Foundation has now awarded more than $750,000 in grants to help enhance the educational experience of students in the district. The money raised is used to help fund the Foundation’s grant program.

“The Lakeland Education Foundation has been working hard for the past 21 years to enhance the educational experience for all Lakeland students,” said Diane Kness.

“We are overwhelmed that our business, Funflatables, is being recognized by the Lakeland Education Foundation,” said Tommy and Vanessa Dilorenzo. “The grants the Foundation fulfills each year play a major part in enhancing the educational experience of the students in Lakeland. As proud parents of three Lakeland students as well as being teaching staff in and out of the district, we know how important it is for children to have an education which is supported by innovative programs.”
“We are thankful that the Lakeland Education Foundation has allowed us to play a small part in this great endeavor and are humbled by the honor that has been bestowed upon us,” they added.
Mr. Bergmann said he is humbled to be recognized by the Lakeland Education Foundation and is honored to share this with Board of Education Trustee Mike Daly and the DiLorenzo family, who donate so much of their time and energy to the district via their Funflatables business. “The Foundation does amazing things for the district and allows teachers to provide students with opportunities that will enrich the quality of their education tremendously, and Rob greatly appreciates their efforts,” said Mr. Bergmann Rob is also a member of Unfunded Mandate band which raises money for the foundation through concerts throughout the area.
Rob’s favorite quote is by Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980 United States of America Olympic Hockey team. Coach Brooks believed that "Great moments are born from great opportunity." Rob believes “that every day is one such great opportunity. “As a community we are given a chance to create great moments for one another, as well as for our students,” he offered. “By creating and building an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, we can provide students with the best educational opportunity possible. They are what matters. We can and will be heroes to our students as we educate them in every area possible and prepare them to be cooperative, accountable, tolerant and safe citizens for the 21st century.”
“The Lakeland Education Foundation has so many hard working and enthusiastic volunteers that work all year long to raise funds for the Foundation. Because of these efforts, the Foundation has been able to provide over $700,000 in grants for projects that have benefited thousands of students in the district,” said Mr. Daly. “ Being able to contribute to the efforts of the District’s most dedicated educators has been tremendously rewarding. To be recognized with this year’s other very worthy honorees, Rob Bergmann, and the DiLorenzos is truly humbling. I encourage every District parent and friend of the District to get involved for the benefit of our students,” added Mr. Daly.