Although the forecast for our state education budget is bleak, WCEF is working diligently with the WCSD and AUHSD to provide the best possible solutions for our children. In tough times people often choose one of two paths: to hang on to what is theirs ignoring the needs of others around them, or to bring their gifts to the table and share with the community. I am happy to say that during this past year our community has chosen to share what they could for the benefit of all our children.

In the next few weeks many decisions will be made on many fronts that will affect our children. Please take an interest in the education budget process locally and at the state level. Get involved, attend meetings, write letters. Read the facts regarding AUHD's Measure A, an initiative on the mail-in ballot for the May 4th election. Offer to serve on the WCEF Board and at any of your children’s schools PTA/PTO boards. Nominating committees are filling positions now.

Lastly, if you have yet to donate this year or are able to donate on behalf of a family that is struggling during these difficult times it is not too late. Click here to donate now. And thank you for your continued support of our children.

Sincerely,
Liz Davis, WCEF President

WCEF Facts vs. Fiction

No matter what size or type an organization is, the facts-versus-fiction culture is alive and well. Managing information can be challenging at best for any organization – 
and WCEF is no exception.

Throughout the course of any given month, WCEF receives questions either through the contact submission form, during various school meetings or from the community-at large.  A question arose the other day from a person who thought that the WCEF president is a paid position. We can readily answer that with a “no.” The president, like all positions on the WCEF Board of Directors, is a non-paid volunteer position. The WCEF executive director and data manager are the only two part-time paid positions.

One way that you can readily be informed about who WCEF is and what we do is by checking our FAQ page on our website.  The FAQ page answers questions ranging from how funding is determined; what the difference is between WCEF and PTA/PTO fundraising; if one can designate where donations go; and what programs are being funded for the current year.
           
Our goal is to manage our information as responsibly and proactively as possible – while keeping rumors to a minimum. We encourage our community to contact WCEF directly here on our web site with your questions, concerns, or comments. 

Comparing WCEF with Other Foundations

Do you wonder how WCEF fundraising efforts compare to other education foundations? Here is a comparison of our Foundation with other local foundations and across the bay:

Giving is “Good Business”

Like all nonprofits in our area and even across the nation, there’s no doubt that WCEF is facing challenging times. With businesses having to reorganize to also meet the challenges of our current economic crisis, it is also one of the best times for companies to collaborate to help nonprofits. Consequently, corporate giving in areas where employees live and work is good for business.

Businesses, who support a local nonprofit, like WCEF, realize that it’s a great investment for them and helps to strengthen community life. In WCEF’s case, local giving ultimately helps maintain and improve the quality of life for our students – from the minute they enter kindergarten, until they graduate from high school.

Business and individual giving can take on many forms. WCEF is sincerely grateful and is fortunate to partner with numerous local businesses that provide financial contributions or substantial in-kind support. Please take a moment to learn about the local companies that have given so generously, then thank them by supporting them in the same way they have supported WCEF and our kids. Read more about these businesses…

WCEF Fundraisers

In addition to our Parent Campaign here are some other ways you, your family and friends can support WCEF:

Online Search & Shop

GoodSearch.com is a Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use as you would any search engine; get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!

GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your designated charity! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, BestBuy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop. Each time you place an order with a simple click of the button, you'll support your favorite cause.

Go to www.goodsearch.com, enter Walnut Creek Education Foundation as your charity of choice, and shop! And, be sure to spread the word to friends and family. It's a fast, easy and fun way to support our schools.

Thursday Night Out!

Tired of cooking dinner? Want to raise money for our schools? It’s easy with Thursday Night Out! Just eat at a participating restaurant (on Thursday night, of course) and tell them you “Support WCEF.” You’ll have a great meal and 10-15% of your tab will be donated back to WCEF. What could be easier? Don’t forget to tell you neighbors, friends and family too! Click Here for a list of participating restaurants

Saturday Shoppers

Are you a Saturday Shopper? If you find yourself in one of the participating stores on a Saturday let them know that, you “support our schools and WCEF” and the participating stores will donate 10-15% of your purchase to WCEF. Click here for a list of stores

Visit our website for other ways to give including;  Corporate Matching, Stocks and Securities, Vehicle Donation,Donations in Kind, Memorial Tribute,Charitable Remainder Trust or Traditional Bequest and Volunteering.

WCEF • P.O. Box 186 • Walnut Creek, CA 94597