Last week the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) thanked its major benefactors with a scrumptious breakfast at Akasha and had demonstrations of how well the funds CCEF raises are being used.
CCEF benefits ever y student at every Culver City Unified School District 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 Culver City High School 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 the collective resources in service to the city’s 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 the community’s commitment to work together for the benefit of its children.
Yet even with all the amazing work being done in the city’s 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.
Everyone can join the effort to raise money for marching band uniforms and all of the other programs and equipment CCEF funds for the district’s schools by visiting: http://ccef90230.org. Click on How You Can Help and make a donation today.
Anyone who would wish that their donation go to the purchase of new marching band uniforms, they are asked to call CCEF at (310) 842-4220 exten- sion 4212 to make their intent clear or send a donation to CCEF, PO Box 4178, Culver City, CA 90231. The website does not cur- rently allow donors to make such designations.
