Editor's Note: The following information was submitted to Westwood Patch by the Westwood Elementary School Coalition. 

While residents throughout the Commonwealth celebrated Saint Patrick's Day on Saturday, March 17, more than 400 people from around the Westwood area donated their time and effort to support the Westwood Elementary School Coalistion (WESC). 

The group's Spring Social event kicked off on Saint Patrick's Day at Mosley's on the Charles in Dedham, when it raised nearly $55,000 from donated auction items, sponsorships and ticket sales, according to a news release Monday. 

Roche Bros. served as the event's gold sponsor, with bronze sponsors including Dedham Savings Bank and Needham Cooperative Bank.

WESC has raised more than $1 million during its 18-year history for curriculum and cultural enrichment programs, field trips, computer equipment, recess supplies, art programs, classroom supplies, and much more for the Deerfield, Downey, Hanlon, Martha Jones and Sheehan Elementary schools in Westwood. 

For example, this past winter, Alaskan author Debbie Miller presented to students from grades three through five at the Sheehan School as part of its curriculum enrichment program.