Leadership Program Enriches School
and Community
Ask any student in the Leadership Class at Las Lomas why they are there, and you will hear phrases like, “to make school more fun for students,” “to help others,” and “to raise awareness of important issues.”
Driven by a desire to make a difference, this group of 36 students works year round to better their school and community. Leadership Advisor Sarah Wondolowski believes the class is invaluable because it not only empowers students to become leaders, but “reaches out to every one of the 1,500 students at Las Lomas as well as the surrounding community.”
“A good Leadership Class is a large part of the success we enjoy at Las Lomas,” explains Principal Pat Lickiss. “The students learn the skills necessary to be successful leaders and plan activities for the betterment of their peers. In addition, Sarah stresses the importance of the students getting out into the community to volunteer in a variety of ways.” Wondolowski adds, “I believe leadership is essential because it creates the events and activities that make many students excited about going to school.”
The leadership program at Las Lomas is a longstanding tradition, with Principal Lickiss having led the class three decades ago. Despite its history and continued relevance, the class was nearly cut from the budget last year. “Thanks to students, parents and alumni who fought for the program, some financial restructuring, and the generous support of WCEF, Leadership is safe for now,” says Wondolowski.
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WCEF Business Partnership Program
With languishing cuts to California’s education budget, along with a sagging East Bay economy, WCEF is forging ahead to expand their business and community development outreach through their Business Partnership Program.
With WCEF’s heightened marketing outreach this past year, increased media exposure, (including a professionally produced DVD, “You and WCEF Together”), and expanded fundraising events and programs, the Foundation is poised to seek larger donations from corporations and businesses.
Bolstering support of the Foundation’s business outreach includes the addition of business leaders to the group’s Board of Directors. As a result, businesswoman and realtor, Ellen Osmundson joined WCEF’s Board of Directors as their business development chair. Osmundson is a Fine Home Specialist with Prudential California Realty and is a proud parent of Alan Osmundson, a seventh grade honor student at WCI.
Osmundson is an active member of the Walnut Creek community and has served on numerous boards and is a graduate of the Leadership Contra Costa program and the Walnut Creek Citizen’s Institute. Her passion for being a life-long learner resulted in achieving her California Teaching Credential. To share her childhood experience growing up in Hong Kong, she created an after school program, “Fun With Chinese Culture” at Parkmead Elementary.
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WCEF Fundraisers
This Fall WCEF hosted several events to help raise additional dollars towards our fundraising goal. These events included a “Taste for Education” hosted by Wine Thieves, our second annual “Swinging on a Star” fashion Show at Bings, featuring teacher make overs by Gina Kahn, Skin Spirit, & J. Jill, and Mardies Marathon. In addition, we also raised funds during the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association’s Fall Wine Walk. These events raised over $12,000.
Here are some ways you can support WCEF in the upcoming months
Upcoming Events
Annual Tree Lot - Honey Bear Trees is once again donating 20% of your purchase to WCEF. Last year we were able to raise over $1300. The Tree lot is located at the corner of Deer Hill Rd. and Pleasant Hill Rd. across from Acalanes High School in Lafayette. Open 7 days a week 9:00am to 9:00pm 11/23/09 to 12/24/09 - Click here for a flyer.
Sports Basement - Stressed when shopping – especially during the holidays? Then join us on December 12th from 4-7 pm at the Sports Basement for some “Stress Free Shopping”! There will be massages, food, and more. Better yet, you'll receive 10% off your purchase and 10% will also go to WCEF. WCEF volunteers will be on hand to wrap your holiday gift purchases, too! What could be better? Click here for the RSVP/volunteer form.
Whole Foods Bag Donation - Next time you shop at Whole Foods bring your own bags and ask that your bag credit be donated to the Walnut Creek Education Foundation. Every little bit helps the schools and the environment
WCEF Night at the Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings, Friday, January 8, 7:30 p.m. – A perfect stocking stuffer for the whole family! Ticket price $30/pp and $5 per ticket will be donated back to WCEF. Price includes free hot dog, chips, soft drink, 18 yrs. and younger invited to shoot post-game free-throw on Warriors court. Group ticket purchases of 10+ will receive autographed photo for each member of group. More info and ability to purchase tickets will be posted at wcefk12.org starting in mid-November. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Plan to Holiday shop on-line?
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
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