El Segundo Educational Foundation

June 2005

Corporate Partners Program at an All-Time High

At the conclusion of its fourth year of existence, the ESEF's Corporate Partners giving program is at an all-time high and is on track to reach the $200,000 mark for the first time.

Community donates $250,000 - El Segundo Bridged the Gap!

Through a steady stream of contributions, the El Segundo Educational Foundation (ESEF) has achieved its goal to grant a quarter of a million dollars to the El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD) for the 2004-2005 school year.

Last spring the foundation began an appeal to local businesses and residents for support of its campaign

to Bridge the Gap between ESUSD's state funding and the amount required to maintain the district's high standard of education. At the May 24th school board meeting, ESEF Chairman Richard Lundquist presented the foundation's check for $250,000 to ESUSD Superintendent Bruce Auld, representing donations from more than 435 companies, families, and individuals.

"Reaching our ambitious goal to Bridge the Gap is a testament to the value this community places on quality public education," Lundquist said. "The Foundation is a conduit for the community's contributions to El Segundo schools. Once again, businesses and residents really came through for our students. Everyone's generosity is truly commendable."

Former ESUSD Board Member and Employee Contributes Monthly

El Segundo resident, Ruth Parks came to El Segundo 58 years ago when she moved with her husband for his job. Their young children all attended El Segundo schools. When she was widowed, Mrs. Parks took a job with the school district and worked as a school secretary at Center Street School for 19 years and at Richmond Street School for 6 years.

Mrs. Parks served on the school board for eight years starting in 1981, and when the El Segundo Educational Foundation was created in 1983, she began giving monthly contributions of $15.00 to support the local schools. She says her commitment to give to the Foundation on a regular basis stems from the needs of the schools. 'I think it's very important that outsiders, people who are not in government, support the schools because the money we get from the state is not adequate. I wish I could give more,' she says.