Photo by LORETTA JACKSON Participants in the Bedford Parent Teacher Group, gathering informally at McKelvie Intermediate School to herald the success of a major PTG fundraiser, the annual Ski, Skate & More Sale, held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, include these attendees, all Bedford residents, standing from left, Jennifer Delisle, co-vice president of publicity; Maria Rocco, chairperson for the Ski, Skate & More Sale; Lynne Natale, vice president of publicity; and Kim Beekman, vice president of fundraising; seen here along with co-presidents, seated, Amy Dion, left, and Sue Jennato. Info: bedfordptg.org.

Supporters of a multitude of programs offered at six public schools through the auspices of the Bedford School District comprise the Bedford Parent Teacher Group – the PTG.

The six schools span grades K-12. They include Bedford High School, Lurgio Middle School and McKelvie Intermediate School, along with Memorial Elementary School, Peter Woodbury Elementary School and Riddle Brook Elementary School.

Some in the PTG met on Friday, Jan. 4, at McKelvie Intermediate School, on Liberty Hill Road, to celebrate a recent PTG fundraiser, the annual Ski, Skate & More Sale, held in November and founded in 1982. There were gathered Amy Dion and Sue Jennato, co-presidents; Lynne Natale, vice president of publicity; Jennifer Delisle, co-vice president of publicity; and Kim Beekman, vice president of fundraising.

“I am amazed at the solid support of the community,” said Lynne Natale, vice president of publicity. “I’ve been with Bedford’s PTG for around 10 years and a witness to the sale’s success.”

Participants, all Bedford residents, noted that the group helps fund district programs. Its volunteers encourage parents to become involved in school-family activities.

The sale was launched in 1982 and led for some five years by volunteer Berdie Holland. It began as a Ski Sale that morphed into a Ski & Skate Sale. Now, bargain hunters flock to the Ski, Skate & More Sale.

The sale’s operation was transferred in 1987 to Pam Love, assisted by Roger Wakefield. Paul Sherr soon joined in as Love’s co-chair. The pair conducted the annual sale for around two decades.

Rocco, the event’s current chairperson, added that Christa Meyers took the helm in 2005, as the event was moved from McKelvie school to Bedford High. Michelle LaBelle followed Meyers in 2009. Sales escalated as an online consignor process was added, Rocco noted.

“Our independent consignors and our merchants brought in more than $113,000, this year,” Rocco said. “That’s a profit of more than $18,000 for our schools.”

Rocco said she has been a part of the events’ committee for a decade. She recently enlisted a major sale participant – Ski & Snowboard Liquidation Center, of North Conway. Longtime participants include Bob and Terry’s Ski & Sports Outlet, of Franklin; Rodgers Ski & Sport, of Lincoln; Sport Thoma, of Lincoln; S & W Sports, of Concord; and Pro-Lens, of North Troy, Vermont.

Today, the Bedford PTG Ski, Skate & More Sale is a merry melange of buyers, individual consignors and vendors of equipment, accessories and apparel. Neighbors consigning items donate 25 percent to the PTG. Vendors contribute 20 percent.

Co-president Sue Jennato said the addition of online consignor options, as well as extended marketing efforts, have helped boost sales from $5,000 in the early days to more than $100,000.

Co-president Amy Dion added thanks to all who participated, proclaiming that the money raised helps support educational programs for the 4,400 students attending Bedford’s six public schools.

“Events like this cannot happen without the help of so many volunteers and supporters,” Dion said. “We’re thankful that we can give back to Bedford schools.”

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