Anthony Graham just wants to help—in a big way.

In fact, Graham, the president of the Baldwin Whitehall Educational Foundation, or BWEF, is practically begging to.

Graham's organization, which he hopes to enlarge with more volunteers, is designed for the sole purpose of supporting "innovation and excellence in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District," according to the foundation's website.

Graham spoke at the beginning of the Baldwin-Whitehall School Board's regular August meeting, this year, offering his foundation's services, while, at the same time, asking for more funds and more volunteers in order to do even more.

As a nonprofit group, every dollar that the organization has raised and will raise has gone to and will go to programs that further the education of district students.

For example, the foundation's first grant—a $400 award—went to teacher Dawn McPaul at McAnnulty Elementary School in 2011. Students in McPaul's class went to Ridgepointe Senior Living in Baldwin Borough the week of Earth Day, that year, to plant flowers in pots with some of Ridgepointe's residents and to put plants in the ground to commemorate the event.

Graham told the Baldwin-Whitehall Patch in April 2011 that the BWEF hopes to raise more funds for similar efforts by applying for state and business grants and soliciting from residents and alumni.

"We hope to make the school district a great place to teach and learn," Graham said.

Awards won't only be paid in cash, as the foundation might provide materials for the particular program being funded.

"It depends on the program," he said. "We want to do what we can to help (the teacher) the most."

Graham told the B-W School Board in August that the foundation's goal is to raise $100,000 over the next three years for scholarships and grants.

And at a time of cautious public spending on education, every little bit of private money could help do wondrous things in Baldwin-Whitehall, such as possibly saving classes, lengthening school projects and more.

"It's a large dollar figure," Graham said of his goal, "but I don't think it's unattainable."

The foundation will recognize donors with different status levels based on their donation amount: Route 51 ($51-$99), Purple/White ($100-$199), Bagpiper ($200-$499), Fighting Highlander ($500-$5,099) and Founder ($5,100 or more).

A donation form is available in this article's media gallery. It is also available here.

For more information, contact Graham at 412-334-7401 or at bwef.info@gmail.com.

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