PHOTOS: BEST Foundation Fundraiser Raises Roughly $10,000

Members of the Inver Grove Heights BEST Foundation estimate the group raised $10,000 for local students as part of a fundraiser dinner held at the Southview Country Club on Saturday.

The money will be distributed in the form of academic scholarships for graduating students. It's a tradition that dates back to 1988, when the foundation gave $2,000 in scholarships in its first annual donation. Last year, 109 scholarships totaling $147,200 were awarded to students.

The IGH BEST Foundation receives its funds primarily from individuals and businesses who want to invest in the graduates of Simley High School, according to member Jane Difronzo. The foundation also sponsors three fundraisers annually: A the dinner and silent auction in late winter, a 5K run/walk in May and a golf tournament in August.

"The theme for the evening was a Casino night," Difronzo wrote in an email. "There was an Elvis impersonator, Viking Cheerleaders, and lots of local celebrities, teachers and former and current students who help by being celebrity dealers."

A number of local businesses also contributed silent auction items to the event.

"The letters B-E-S-T stand for Better Educated Students of Today, which captures the spirit of the foundation. We believe that “Better Educated Students of Today” will become community leaders tomorrow," Difronzo said.

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