CCEF Impact & Appreciation

Last week the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) thanked its major benefactors with a breakfast at Akasha and demonstrations of how well the funds CCEF raises are being used.

CCEF benefits every student at every CCUSD school in a myriad of ways, but that morning three programs were highlighted. Guests heard the success of music programs in our schools when Dr. Tony Spano's high school students demonstrated their musical skill and joy in music making. The new math pedagogy system, The Art of Teaching, was showcased as Ms. Courtney Farrar's kindergarten students demonstrated their skill in addition, also known as 'joining'. Finally, the impact of CCUSD's Front and Center Theatre Collaborative was felt by everyone as CCHS 2013 graduate Michelle Gonzalez described the effect that working with Young Storytellers had had on her as a student- so much that today she is working for them.

The breakfast gave all present a chance to make connections and continue building the kinds of mutually beneficial relationships that make it possible to join our collective resources in service to our children. Attendees included leaders from local businesses and foundations, members of the school board and Culver City City Council, CCPD Chief Scott Bixby and CCFD Fire Chief David White, CCUSD administrators and others. The assemblage was a testament to our community's commitment to work together for the benefit of our children.

Yet even with all the work being done in our schools, by the end of the event it became clear that there are still some unmet needs. That's when Dr. Spano showed samples of marching band uniforms that were clearly getting old and falling apart. It will take $40,000 to purchase new uniforms. Fortunately, Wally Marks and Mark Stevens (a CCHS Alumnus) are kicking off the fundraising campaign for new band uniforms with a challenge grant. CCEF Executive Director Leslie Adler announced that Marks and Stevens will match the first $12,000 in donations dollar for dollar!

You can join the effort to raise money for marching band uniforms and all of the other programs and equipment CCEF funds for our schools. Just go to: http://ccef90230.org. Click on How You Can Help and make your donation today!

Should you wish your donation to go to purchase new marching band uniforms, kindly call CCEF (310-842-4220 x4212) to make your intent clear or send your donation to CCEF, PO Box 4178, Culver City, CA 90231, as the website does not currently allow donors to make such designations