Where else will you find Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner leading his team, “The Phonetic Fiduciaries,” into competition against 18th century farmers? The Bodacious Bee of course.
The BWEA team The Bookish Bees
Teams of bankers, politicians, parents and police spelled their hearts out on stage Saturday night at the Bristol Warren Education Foundation‘s (BWEF) annual celebration. Though it was the Sunflower Design team, “The Garden Variety Spellerz,” taking home the coveted trophy, it’s local students who are the ultimate winners of this competition. Raising more than $55,000 to help fund enrichment programs in the Bristol and Warren schools, BWEF’s seventh annual spelling smackdown was its most successful to date.
Kickemuit Middle School teachers Mary and Andre Arsenault perform at the Bodacious Bee.
“Through strong community support we were able to meet or exceed all of our goals for the evening” said Chuck Rozea, co-chair for the Bodacious Bee.
The 350-plus guests were treated to a night rich in local flavor and talent. Hope & Main founder Lisa Raiola served as honorary chairwoman, and she brought along some friends. Eighteen food-based startups accompanied Ms. Raiola to showcase the work going on at the Warren-based business incubator. Smoked fish, jalapeno ketchup, hand-made chocolates, salsa, cheesecake and more epicurean treats delighted Bee goers as they strolled the “street fair” adorned Roger Williams University field house.
The RE/MAX River’s Edge team Bee Your Own Masterpiece.
“I had this great moment of insight and pride on Saturday night when more than a dozen new, small business entrepreneurs had the opportunity to introduce themselves and their products to the community,” said Ms. Raiola. “In just six months since opening, I was able to see the profound impact of our efforts. How else could you take ideas to market so quickly? It’s like economic development on steroids, and it’s happening right here on the East Bay! The cocktail of inspiration and incubation is a powerful mix. When it’s fueled by a whole community cheering you on, I feel like these new businesses just can’t fail. It gives me great hope.”
The feast for the senses was not limited to taste buds. In addition to the costumed spellers and their “entourages,” guests were given a visual treat with a sampling of Anthony Quinn’s artwork. The mini
Rockwell School parents Sue Green, Blayney Norton-Hayes, Stacia Jackson and Sally Deal.
gallery, which included a self portrait, Zorba sculpture and more, was in place to symbolize an emerging partnership between BWEF and the Anthony Quinn Foundation. The two groups have committed to a scholarship for a local student to pursue an intensive arts education program.
In the midst of the spelling, outlandish costumes, good food and fun emerged an impromptu, good-natured competition. Large, vocal groups of parents, teachers and supporters from two district elementary schools — Hugh Cole and Colt Andrews — who were seated across the room from one another engaged in a tour de throat. Provoked by MC Tim White, each attempted to prove they were the most spirited.
What followed was an unbridled display of passionate support for all local students, as the cheers melded it became impossible to distinguish whether the voices were from Warren or Bristol.
