For Immediate Release

Needham Education Foundation Recognizes NHS Class Of 1982 For $1,000 Reunion Challenge Donation

Plaque Presented to Principal Madden at Needham High;
Class of 1982 Honored Alongside Class of 1939

NEEDHAM, Mass., December 22, 2003 -A year after launching the Class Reunion Challenge Funds, the Needham Education Foundation (NEF) recognized the Class of 1982 today for donating $1, 000 to the NEF on the occasion of its 20th reunion.

Principal Paul Madden of Needham High School (NHS) accepted the Class Reunion Challenge Funds plaque from NEF co-president Catherine Marenghi and NEF board member Gail Nannini, who heads the group's Class Reunion Challenge Funds program. The plaque will honor every NHS class that donates $1,000 or more to the NEF. The Class of 1982 is inscribed on the plaque along with the Class of 1939, which donated the original $3,000 seed money that launched the NEF in 1990.

Chris Egan of Canton, Mass., and Grace DeMaio Paden of Nashville, Tenn., both from the NHS Class of 1982, were honored for organizing the fundraising effort at their 20th class reunion last year.

The NEF created the Class Reunion Challenge Funds to provide an opportunity for NHS alumni to donate to a fund earmarked by class year, which will endow innovative enrichment programs for Needham public school children.

With one gift, an account is opened in the name of the NHS class. When the account reaches $1,000, the class will be recognized on a public plaque of Needham Education Foundation supporters, on display at the high school. When the account reaches $10,000, a grant will be given in the name of the class. When the account reaches $35,000, a grant will be given annually in the name of the class.

"It is hoped that the Class Reunion Challenge Funds will breed some healthy competition among NHS classes -at class reunions or throughout the year -to create a lasting legacy for future generations of Needham school children," said NEF Co- President Marenghi.

A handful of NHS alumni celebrating their 50th reunion in 1990, led by Ralph Leader, wanted to pass on their love of learning to future generations of Needham children. Their $3,000 gift established a fund to underwrite innovative educational programs, and the NEF was born. Since that time, through active fundraising and prudent investment of its Sustaining Fund, NEF has granted more than $750,000 to the Needham public schools.

For further information on how to support the NEF through the Class Reunion Challenge Funds, please contact NEF board member Gail Nannini, (617) 678-1278, gmnannini@comcast.net.

About the NEF

The Needham Education Foundation is an independent, community-based, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to raise and then distribute monies for the enrichment of public school children in Needham, Mass. Its fundraising programs include the annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser, teacher recognition cards, and a year-end appeal. NEF's purpose is to stimulate innovation and excellence by supporting educational programs that are outside normal public funding and to maintain a permanent fund to implement such programs and activities.

Contact:
Catherine Marenghi, NEF co-president
(781) 915-5001
cmarenghi@marenghi.com