Nonprofit Organization Helps Raise Money for Education

“Starts under the Stars” will be this year’s theme for the South Bay School District Education Foundation fundraiser at 6 p.m. May 14 at the Clarion Hotel in National City.

The foundation’s inaugural event will not only honor community members, educators, parents and volunteers who have contributed to the foundation’s mission, but also help raise money for the school district, according to Dana Tomlinson, president of SBUSD Education Foundation and a sixth-grade teacher at Emory Elementary School.

“With the money we raise we are able to fund existing programs as well as give grants that help provide teachers with the tools and materials they need for the students,” said Tomlinson.

The event includes a silent auction, dinner, dessert, wine, prizes and live music, and will fund camp, science fair projects and transportation, Tomlinson said.

“It all goes back into education,” she said. “With the budget crisis, school districts are suffering dramatically and it is critical that we maintain the same quality of education that we once had and that our children deserve.”

Gov. Jerry Brown signed bills last week addressing $11.2 billion of the state's $26.6 billion deficit, which leaves an additional $15.4 billion that still must be cut in order to bring state resources in line with expenditures. 

“Additional cuts will have a significant impact on schools and districts and they are now preparing for beyond-the-worst-case scenario reductions,” she said.

“The money we raise is another way to plug the gaps in education and bring more money into the school district,” Tomlinson said.

Even if people do not have children, the foundation urges people to support the cause, said Mayda Winter, secretary of SBUSD Education Foundation.

“Now with the cuts in education it is imperative to fund the programs that educate students who are suffering as a result of the budget,” she said.

There is pressure to increase academic success and it is important to provide rich instructions that will benefit students who will eventually enter the workforce, Winter said.

Tickets cost $40 for singles and $75 for couples and includes complimentary parking, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, wine, prizes and live music.

Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended. You can email your name and number of seats you wish to purchase to pdickson@sbusd.k12.ca.us.