Fundraising Update

Thank you to those who participated in WCEF's recent survey. You told us that you wanted more information about programs funded with WCEF donations. This newsletter highlights the WEB/Pride Programs at Walnut Creek Intermediate, made possible by your donations to WCEF. You will also find updated information on Budget Cuts, the De Sa Scholarship, our Business Partnership Campaign and more.

I am pleased to report that we are very close to achieving our parent fundraising goal for this year. While participation is still only at 49% overall we are just $21,000 shy of away from our budgeted dollar goal. Thank you to each of you who have donated to WCEF and your children's school in some way. It is still not too late to make your donation. Click here to do so. Remember it matters more that you give than how much you give. Look for even more ways to give on our website.

Glynnis Cowdery, WCEF President
gcowdery@wcefk12.org

Budget Cuts

If you have read the paper lately you are aware that there are unprecedented severe budget cuts pending that will directly impact our schools. Parents will be asked now, more than ever, to help minimize the direct impact on their children. First off, let me acknowledge how frustrating it is to live in a State where education can even be asked to take such a hit. At the same time as we are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on our children, we must also communicate to the legislators that the way they are operating is unacceptable.

In addition, our community must pull together to ensure the quality of our schools is not significantly impacted by these cuts. WCEF is working with the Districts and parent groups to prioritize and identify funding needs for next year. As soon as we have confirmed what our funding priorities are for next year we will communicate these to you.

We are quickly approaching the start of our spring fundraising campaign. During this time we will be asking every household to dig deep and give as generously as possible. If you gave last year we hope that you will be able to increase your donation this year. If you were unable to give last year we ask that you give whatever you can this year. This will enable us to support our schools and Districts and help them get through this crisis, hopefully with minimal direct impact to our children.

WCI's WEB and Pride Programs

To say that middle school represents a period of transition is probably an understatement. For many children, leaving the comfort of elementary school is a frightening prospect. Adapting to a larger campus, changing classrooms and teachers and meeting new kids can be overwhelming. Moreover, the middle school years present unique challenges as students enter adolescence and face a variety of social and academic pressures.

But thanks to two successful programs at Walnut Creek Intermediate - the WEB transition program and SQUIRE PRIDE Days - students embrace middle school with a greater sense of enthusiasm, confidence and support. Given their value, WCEF began funding both ventures three years ago. "We are really thankful that WCEF is committed to this," says Vice Principal Kevin Honey. "It gives us the opportunity to run these programs at 100 percent. Click here to read more about WEB

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:

Michael W. De Sa Scholarship

When WCSD Superintendent Mike De Sa passed away in October of 2006 his family requested that donations be made in his name to WCEF. Mike's wife Lisa, and children Caitlin and Sam, proposed using a portion of these funds to start a scholarship fund to be administered by WCEF.

Last year the first scholarship recipient, Tyler Duncan received $2,000 to use toward his education at University of Colorado. Applications are now being accepted for this year's scholarship. 2008 LLHS seniors who attended WCSD schools throughout K-8 grades are invited to apply for the De Sa Scholarship. The scholarship must be used for an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or vocational school.

Mike was a strong advocate of WCEF and the educational programs it supports. Your gift to the scholarship will keep his memory alive and help a deserving student reach their educational goal.

Business Partnership Council

WCEF is striving to make connections with members of the Walnut Creek business community.

It is the objective of the Business Partnership Council to promote understanding between local businesses and WCEF and to create a climate for fostering mutually beneficial relationships. WCEF wants local businesses to feel that their commitment to our schools makes a difference to their businesses as well.

Our website is in the process of being renovated. Look forward to a completely updated Business Partnership Council Page linked to the front page of the Walnut Creek School District! This is a tremendous boon for all of our supporters who seek high visibility.

A brand new Realtor program is in the works as well. This will entitle sponsoring Real Estate agents and mortgage brokers to have a direct link to our business partnership council page and a special page devoted entirely to the Real Estate industry. Please let your favorite agent know about this opportunity immediately.

We are in the process of personally contacting businesses to ask for their involvement, but we can't do this alone. More than ever, we need your help. If you have a business, or know someone who has a business, please contact Joanne Neuman at (925) 876-9098 or by email at jneuman@wcefk12.org to become a business sponsor.

Business Partner Profile

Tim Argenti: Allied Waste Services of Contra Costa County

Tim Argenti, General Manager of Allied Waste Services, is a member of the WCEF Board and avid supporter. "WCEF's leadership clearly understands the needs of the community and gives me a high level of confidence that our donations have the highest impact on education. I see the direct results of our participation."

Allied Waste collects solid waste and materials for recycling. Its goals are to provide high quality, low cost services, have high ethical standards and improve the quality of life in the communities served by the company. Allied Waste provides support to over 240 non-profit organizations. The company has been recognized as the Small Business of the Year in Contra Costa County, and has won numerous State Assembly, State Senate and Congressional Awards for community involvement.

WCEF is extremely grateful for Allied Waste's support and Tim Argenti's involvement.

Be as generous as you can. Give what you can. Every donation counts, so please invest in our kids today.
Donate Now at wcefk12.org

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