"Although my understanding is limited, i do understand that everyone benefits. it really troubles me that over 50% of our families did not make a donation. what can be done to ensure everyone donates, even $5?"

"Because without parent donation our schools would lack enrichment."

"Because state spending priorities are messed up, education funding in this state, lowest per student of all states, is a disgrace. Contributions from local families help retain quality in school staff, program, facilities. Quality schools help the local community not just by benefit to the students but also through higher property values."

"Because CA school system may slip below that of Mississippi and Haiti unless we do."

"I know that funding schools is the state's responsibility, we shouldn't have to pay for it and there are probably better ways to do it, but we can't wait for them to solve the problems. Our kids are in school now, and we won't sacrifice their education and future just to make a political point."

"Because education funding is too limited."

"Because I am impressed with the programs you fund and your effectivness in raising funds."

"Because I can."

"Because I value the programs funded"

"Because I want the best for my children!"

"Because it is the right thing to do, our state doesn't seem to value our children enough to give the funds to the schools, so it is up to us to give."

"Because it's (supporting a well rounded education) the right thing to do."

"Because it's for the kids."

"Because our children and schools need this valuable funding."

"Because our schools absolutely need the extra funding."

"Because the government and school district do not fund all of the programs that we feel are essential to a well-rounded education."

"Because we understand the importance of education in our community and we realize that the budget keeps getting cut. "

"'Cause prop 13 destroyed our school funding..."

"Because things work better when I do"

"Donating enhances the quality of education that we can provide our kids. We have very good schools as a result, without going private."

"Education is important!"

"Education is important. Not having to pay for a private school, even a $500 contribution is minimal to ensure that the students have some bells and whistles."

"Education is the most important tool we can give our children. I never understood how we could cut science and art (lower grades)from our schools when funding is an issue. As if they're not important anymore? Our donations are tax deductible and they benefit our children. How could we not donate?!"

"Enrichment not provided by state funding"

"EVERY parent should give and they should give regularly."

"Feel a sense of obligation to support our district and maintain the highest level of education possible."

"For the kids and connunity"

"Given the dire straits of the California state budget, it is imperative that WCEF raise as much money as possible to protect and enhance our schools' offerings."

"Good citizen factor"

"Happy to support education"

"I ""strongly agree"" that we should equal funding throughout the k-5 schools. WCEF is a step in the right direction. The K-5s need to give up more of their fundraising so that all families understand the importance of equal schooling for ALL children. When parent groups raise money for their school, they take an unhealthy perpspective that they own the programs they are raising funds for. Wrong, I want the school and school district to decide what programs are offered at my child's school."

"I am a teacher as well as a parent and I know how the state keeps cutting so it is up to us to help provide programs that the state cuts funds for."

"I am not able to donate that much cash, so I do little things througout the year to help out."

"I believe in an excellent education for my children and will do whatever that takes to help make that happen!"

"I believe in my kids' education and one of the reasons I moved to the district was because of WCEF."

"I believe in supporting the organization that supports my child's education. It's the right thing to do."

"I believe the programs enrich our children and are important."

"I consider the programs that WCEF covers are vital to a student's education."

"I did not donate over $500. My husband was out of work from June - February, and I was laid off in February. But our family strongly supports these programs, which is why we donated within our means, even in these difficult financial times."

"I donate because I think the programs funded by WCEF are beneficial to my children. The programs funded help to provide our children with a well balanced and well rounded education. I do not dontate based on what perks I might receive. Because we donate at the $500 level it does make a difference that it is tax deductible though as long as the funds are being used resposibly we would continue to donate regardless of tax deductibility."

"I donate what I can--and have to find out how when I receve my tax return. Envelopes for spring donation need to be sent out earlier."

"I feel it is imperative that our children have exposure to and access to science, the arts and technology. School should include all of these and if we need to fund it then so be it!"

"I feel like it is my responsibility to help out and my children benefit from the programs."

"I feel that the programs offered by WCEF will enrich my child' educational experience."

"I give because I want to best"

"I give because it is the right thing to do."

"I give because the state is not doing it's job in setting an education budget that is adequate."

"I give because the state is unwilling or unable to provide the necessary support for our students to blossom into well-rounded individuals. Providing children with art, PE, sports programs, cultural activities and extra educational tools, all help in their success. I rent an apartment in Walnut Creek in order for my son to get the best public education possible and I believe the Walnut Creek schools provide that. I would donate using the payment plan if you accepted Americal Express. For now, I donate by check to WCEF when I am able, although not as much as I'd like to."

"I give simply because I know the schools need the funds and it's my responsibility as a parent to do what I can to ensure that these programs continue in this district. I would donate even if there were no ""benefits"" attached to the program."

"I give to be supportive of an institution which is dedicated to helping my workplace. We, the staff, along with students benefit greatly from their work; I want to show appreciation for their hard work."

"I give to help others and improve my sons' education/interests."

"I give to support my children and others who are less fortunate. It's the right thing to do for our community. "

"I give to support my children and the children of the Walnut Creek community."

"I give to the WCEF because I know that the money go directly to the students. The experience they receive in school help create a well rounded student."

"I give to WCEF to show support of my child's school."

"I have a child in 2nd grade and supporting his education at the elementary level is why I donate"

"I have four children in three schools supported by WCEF. While I am not familiar with the scope of the programs WCEF supports, I trust in their essential value for the schools, the teachers, and my students."

"I know children would not not be able to have certain programs, unless we contribute to WCEF."

"I like to support our schools and teachers"

"I live in Walnut Creek so that my child can go to great public schools -- schools as good or better than the public schools I attended. I am committed to doing whatever I can to make this the best community possible -- giving to WCEF is just one part of this commitment. I know that whatever we (as a community) give to our children will come back ten-fold. During difficult economic times, it's the best investment we can make."

"I recognize that the schools need more money and am willing to spend money on improving the education for our kids"

"I strongly believe in the programs that WCEF funds."

"I support as much as I can because I am privileged to be part of this school system and want all children - including my own - to receive the best possible education in a positive environment."

"I support enriching public school education for every child - it's the right thing to do."

"I support quality education for our kids"

"I support so that programs can be funded."

"I support WCEF because it hovers around academic support that is neccesary for our schools. Music, Art etc. I would like WCEF to take a more active role in supporting our schools to make sure all kids are getting the learning and not just some. I feel this could be best accomplished by after school enri"

"I support WCEF because it is important."

"I support WCEF because it's the future of our children."

"I support WCEF because they have the best teaching staff and community."

"I support WCEF so my children can have a half way decent education. Not enough funding from the State to provide even basic schooling."

"I think the programs make a difference for many of the kids in the schools."

"I value the additions to my child's education available in this community."

"I value the programs and people that WCEF funds support. As I result I donate through the United Way program at work so that my donation is doubled by my employer."

"I want my child to have the best possible education. I want a public education with the benefits of activities that may be found in private schools. I am willing to enhance my childs school experience."

"I want my daughter to get the best education possible."

"I want my daughter to have the best available in the state system and believe that if we support the school system she has a better chance of getting what she needs"

"I want my kid to have a good education. Feel like you guys do a very good job, I trust you to use the money well"

"I want my kids to have access to the programs that are funded. It is more affordable than trying to pay for supplemental activities outside of school for my 3 children. We use payroll deduction and it makes it very easy to budget."

"I want to improve and broaden my children's educational experience"

"I want to support my children's schools and through WCEF I can write ONE check that goes to K-12 programs."

"If I don't, there won't be enough money !"

"If the State doesn't fully fund and the federal government doesn't fully fund mandates, then citizens need to fund our schools."

"If we didn't support WCEF, too many important programs would not exist - programs that help/enrich all students."

"In support of my community."

"In these difficult times, when the state budget is in such turmoil, it's essential for the parents/community to supplement so that our children/future leaders do not suffer."

"It helps the schools keep up with private school education"

"It is important that children get as much as possible before they go out into the ""real"" world."

"It is important to support the local schools"

"It is my commitment to providing the most beneficial educational process to our students."

"It is simply necessary, to keep our standards."

"It is so valuable for my students to receive art, music, and P.E. instruction from a specialist. I can teach these classes to varying degrees, but not nearly as well as our specialists can."

"It is the right thing to do. Plain and simple."

"It is the right thing to do........."

"It is the right thing to do...so we do it."

"It's all about the programs."

"ITS FOR MY CHILDRENS EDUCATION."

"It's important for our children, to provide them with as many opportunities as possible, and encourage them to fly. I feel WCEF provides opportunities that otherwise wouldn't exist if left in the hands of the district."

"It's the only way to fund our schools at the level our community desires. The schools need these additional funds to provide programs we now feel are basics that the state doesn't provide for."

"It's the right thing to do."

"It's the right thing today in today's environment. I want my children to have the best education possible and with the state providing less and less, this is the only way to get back some of the programs that are so critical to our children. It is absolutely pathetic how little the State of California values education. It's truly an embarrassment."

"It's vitally important to fund art and music. Those programs help kids develop their brains. Kids need a well-rounded educations, not just the 3 Rs."

"Mostly because without the funding a number of the programs would not exist, especially the art, pe, music and science programs."

"My child"

"My Company will match my donations and I like helping my children's schools."

"My donation to WCEF and WCI is made in time and efforts as a volunteer teacher."

"My husband and I donate because we believe that the programs supported are important components of our children's educations. ."

"Only because of the importance and benefits of the programs that are provided to my children"

"Our employer matches donations."

"Our schools are such a bargain when compared to private school tuition."

"Our schools need the help. My kids attend those schools so... I help as much as I can."

"Our State tax dollars do not stretch enough to provide our children with the same advantages and benefits that many of us received before Prop. 13. WCEF helps fund important aspects of our children's education, as well as counselors, librarians and after-school help that might otherwise be cut from education budgets."

"Primarily to ensure my daughter receives a good education."

"Provide the best education possible for my kids"

"To maintain our level of quality; also it's very fair compared to what we would need to pay in private school tuition to receive the same level."

"So that my children get a quality education and can enjoy a lower child to teacher ratio."

"Strong supporter of public education"

"Students need a balanced curriculum taught by specialists in order for them to receive the most enriching experiences."

"Suggested means to enhance my children's eductation experience"

"Support our local schools Support our community"

"Support the schools here in my community."

"The art, music and pe program in addition to the ability for teachers to professionally collaborate is important to set our district apart and to provide our children with the best education in California. The additional funds to the Middle School and High School help offset the dwindling funds from the state."

"The best education and opportunities possible for all kids."

"The programs are great."

"The programs that are the most important to my children's education, especially art and music, are funded by WCEF."

"The schools are no longer supported as in the past and need the additional funds. I understand the lack of government money given."

"The schools need the money to provide the programs we want them to have."

"The support of the existing programs."

"To benefits the schools and students"

"To enhance my childs education"

"To ensure important programs continue"

"To ensure that our kids get the most out of their education."

"To fund programs but sometimes it is a stretch financially."

"To give our daughter the best possible education."

"To help fund school programs that are no longer funded by the State."

"To help improve and support important programs that would be lost otherwise"

"To help improve our school district and the benefits for my kids."

"To help our school district(s) continue to provide the EXCELLENT programs they do for our children."

"To help the kids have a better leaning experience to grow into productuve adults."

"To help the schools!"

"To keep arts and sports in school. to help provide a better, more well rounded education to my children - including smaller class sizes, arts, more elective options, sports, etc."

"To keep our schools functioning and give kids the best education possible!"

"To keep our schools up to par and try to move Calif. schools out of the lower end of States spending per student. My girls are working hard to better themselves and prepare for college and so far the Walnut Creek schools have done a good job."

"To maintain quality education, which has a direct effect on house real estate values"

"To maintain the quality educational experience that Las Lomas has been known for."

"To make sure existing programs stay in place."

"To provide the schools with the important extras not included in state funding!"

"To support kids and education in general. To keep Walnut Creek schools competitive."

"To support our community and do our part to try and save programs that our school budget cannot any longer suppotrt"

"To support our community's educational system generally and my child's school in particular."

"To support programs at the school that the state and district do not fund and that we would have to fundraise at the school level to support."

"To support the schools"

"Want a top-notch education for our kids."

"Want my kids education to be enriching"

"WCSD and LL are really superior public school systems. Donation is convenient, through corporate payroll deduction program at Kaiser."

"We believe in our local public schools and feel that supporting them helps the whole community. We will continue to support them even after our kids have graduated. We believe in helping all kids, not just our own."

"We care about our children's education and want them to have a well-rounded education with opportunity for growth and exploration."

"We donate because it benefits everyone."

"We don't support it because it is tax deductible, but do consider it a great side benefit. We pay every year because it makes our schools that much better, which is why we paid to buy a house in this area. We support education in all forms."

"We have to - it's our kids education. We want the best for them. Kids need more than just RRR - they need music, PE, science and art. Some kids bloom sand, some hard rock (no pun intended)."

"We need programs that the State will not fund."

"We need to keep our schools at a rich educational level in spite of the budget problems."

"We've always made a donation because of the value at the elementary level for art, mustic, P.E., and teacher collaboration. I'm not as familiar with the value of my donation at the middle/high school levels; however, I appreciate getting into home games for free."

"With the CA budget crisis, we know the schools need all the help they can get. We are HONORED to have the quality education available in these districts!!"

"Your focus on Visual and Performing Arts funding."