The Manhattan Beach Education Foundation held its third annual Pledge Day at Manhattan Beach schools on Nov. 3 and raised a total of $1 million in donations.
According to MBEF, the purpose of Pledge Day is to direct attention towards education in Manhattan Beach. MBEF representatives stationed themselves at drop off areas across MBUSD schools to encourage donations for a week leading up to Pledge Day to remind parents of the fundraising efforts.
“We hope that parents will go ahead and take that week to make their intentions known by pledging or donating,” MBEF Co-president Nina Patel said.
This year MBEF funds are responsible for the salaries of 67 educators in the district including every guidance counselor at Manhattan Beach Middle School and Mira Costa. The money also pays for academic support counselors, librarians, science and computer lab specialists, and numerous teachers which help keep class sizes to a limited number.
“The efforts of MBEF have been invaluable to our school,” senior Jill Thompson said. “We would definitely not have all of the resources we have without the support of MBEF and the people of our community.”
As stated by MBEF, the foundation must raise over $4.5 million a year in order to continue the programs that it has funded in years past. Depending on the amount raised on Pledge Day, MBEF is able to plan for the rest of the year’s fundraising.
“Our goal is to make sure we have enough to contribute to our schools by the end of the appeal so that we can help keep pink slips to a minimum,” Patel said.
This year, Vice President of Fundraising Carolyn Robb developed a strategy and marketing plan. It included advertising on campuses, Beach Reporter ads, and a multitude of yard signs saying “Home of MBEF” across the community.
“The Pledge Day campaign is not only about informing parents but also the community about the existence of MBEF and the need for everyone in our city to help our schools,” Robb said.
Many parents get involved on the MBEF board level, some are site representatives, and others are classroom liaisons for the annual appeal. Most show support through donations and attending MBEF sponsored events.
“At MBEF we refuse to give up and are resolute in finding solutions to the budget issues,” Patel said. “All parents in this district are committed to giving their children the best education possible.”
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