Local nonprofit raises $330,000 for Petaluma schools
Around 450 supporters of Petaluma schools gathered at Beaumont Farms on September 6 for the annual Petaluma Educational Foundation Bash, managing to raise $130,000 from ticket sales, auction lots, and a raffle. In addition, an impressive $200,000 was collected through the Fund the Future Paddle Raise, with these funds being directed towards classroom grants for the benefit of the schools.
The event was a gratifying success, with Maureen Highland, the foundation’s executive director expressing utmost pride and thankfulness for the overwhelming support received from the attendees. The atmosphere at Beaumont Farms was described as truly amazing, emphasizing the positive impact the funds raised would have on the local educational institutions.
The Petaluma Educational Foundation is a vital nonprofit organization that offers support to 34 public, private, and charter schools within the Petaluma community. One of their key initiatives is a scholarship program aimed at graduating seniors planning to further their education at a two-year college, four-year university, or a trade/vocational school. Recognizing the importance of education, the foundation awarded over $320,000 in scholarships and significantly more in grants the previous year.
Established in response to the educational budget deficits faced by the California school system in 1982, the Petaluma Educational Foundation sprang to life when essential classes were being cut from the K-12 curriculum. A union of local educators, business leaders, parents, and community activists channeled their efforts into finding innovative funding solutions to ensure the continuous educational prosperity of Petaluma-area schools. Since its inception, the foundation has remained dedicated to fostering diverse, creative, and meaningful educational experiences for the youth in Petaluma.
Today, the organization extends its support to over 12,000 students across 34 schools each year, embodying resilience and unwavering commitment to the enrichment of the local educational landscape. For those seeking more details about their initiatives and contributions, a visit to pefinfo.com would offer comprehensive insights into the foundation’s impactful work in the community.