On April 25, the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) proudly celebrated the 20th Annual Gran-Bee—marking two decades of trivia, teamwork and transformative community giving. This beloved fundraiser, held at Granby Memorial High School, brought together friends, families and neighbors to compete in a spirited trivia competition and to bid on a buzzing silent auction—all in support of GEF’s mission to fund innovative educational grants in the community.
This year’s event was a milestone not just in years—but in history. For the first time ever, a team of high school students claimed the title of trivia champions, outsmarting their adult competitors and clinching first place. Please join us in congratulating Team “Buzz Buzz”—composed of Dylan Brown, Isai Alvarez and Calvin Olsen—for their impressive win and trailblazing achievement. These bright young minds have set a new precedent for student involvement in the Gran-Bee, and we couldn’t “bee” more proud.
The evening would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of countless volunteers and supporters, most notably the event sponsors and donors:
• Honey Bee Level: Farmington Valley YMCA, Windsor Federal Bank
• Honeycomb Level: Arrow Concrete, Carmon Community Funeral Homes, CT Physical Therapy Specialists, Granby Racial Reconciliation, Lost Acres Orchard, West Side Oil
• Worker Bee Level: Avon Plumbing, Beman Hardware, Farmington Valley Plumbing, MLK and A, Steve Simard Realty, Tim’s Automotive
• Pollen Patron Level: McKenna Orthodontics, Liz Barlow, Monica Logan, Heather Lombardo, Donna Nolan
• Silent Auction Donors: Alpha Dance Studio, Back in Touch Wellness Center, Big Y, Clark Farms, Connecticut Science Center, Cori Gayle Confections, Drago’s Kitchen, Farmington Valley YMCA, Finds by Rural and Roots, Flamig Farm, Granby Fine Arts Booster, Granby Nail Salon, Granby Parks and Rec, Granby Public Library, Granby Public Schools, GMHS National Honors Society, Grassroots Ice Cream and Street Food, Harvest Cafe and Bakery, International Skating Center of CT, Julien’s Farm Store, Lost Acres Vineyard, Kim Becker, Las Potras Mexican Restaurant, Laura Metallo, MaryLou Berry (Tastefully Simple), McKenna Orthodontics, Mike and Whitney Sanzo, Milk and Honey Boutique, Necker’s Toyland, Old Mill Pond Village Shops, Pez Candy Inc, Playstrong Studio, The Posture Bar, Ravenswood Natural Health, Skin Rhapsodie, Sunflower Yoga, REACT Escape Rooms, Simsbury Farms Golf Course, Simsbury Parks and Recreation Department, Stumpy’s Hatchet House, Tracey Colleen Salon, Village Cork and Keg, Whispering Fox Photography, Wisdom of the Ages
Every sponsor, volunteer and attendee played a vital role in making this year’s Gran-Bee a memorable success. Your support ensures that GEF can continue to empower educators and inspire learners throughout our community.
Here’s to 20 years of impact—and to the next generation of bees leading the way.
Submitted by the Granby Education Foundation