School started in August, and with it, the annual fundraising drive that we have all come to expect. With the state’s budget cuts, the Benicia Education Foundation is well aware of the dire need to not only sustain last year’s goal, but to increase it.
The BEF’s goal is to raise $200,000 for programs. In the 2011/2012 school year, BEF is funding library and computer programs at all seven BUSD sites: Benicia High, Liberty High and Benicia Middle schools and Robert Semple, Mary Farmar, Matthew Turner and Joe Henderson elementary schools.
Without the help of the parents who volunteer their time to the foundation, essential educational programs would be cut. Most communities have to rely on volunteers and donations to keep schools functioning at a high level. We are fortunate that Benicians have always demonstrated a strong commitment to education.
The fundraising letter sent to parents asks for only $10 per family per month. Even in a bad economy this seems like a pretty reasonable request. The letter breaks down the sacrifice this way:
2 cups of gourmet coffee
One trip to a fast food restaurant
One regular movie ticket (not 3-D)
We are ALL members of this community. Even if your kids have graduated, like mine, or even if you “did your part” when your kids WERE in school, or, even if you don’t have kids, good schools affect every one of us. It is in all of our best interest to donate whatever amount we can afford to the BEF so they can continue to do the good work that keeps Benicia a special place to live.
Please send donations to:
The Benicia Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1611, Benicia, CA 94510
