This year's Boost Your School campaign is well under way. Schools, families, and especially children stand to benefit with increased family participation. This year, when your family participates by making a contribution to the Foundation, your child's school not only has the chance to receive extra wish list items, but every $50 donation between now and January 31 enters your name in a raffle for the chance to personally win one of several gifts from local businesses and restaurants. The Foundation would like to thank the following businesses for donating raffle prizes for the Boost Your School drawing: Chevron Continental Development Corporation Glacier Ice Cream & Gelato - Manhattan Bch Jewelry Source Kaya Restaurant MARK Enterprises

Drawings are held every other week and every $50 donation gives you another chance to win. (Note: Each ESUSD child in the family receives "credit" for their school from the family's contribution.)

As of December 12, 2008, Boost Your School family participation rates are:

		Richmond Street – 42% (need 27 more families to reach 50% participation in order to receive a $2,500 grant)
		Center Street – 32%  (need 62 more families to reach 50% participation in order to receive a $2,500 grant)
		ESMS – 18% (need 65 more families to reach 25% participation in order to receive a $1,000 grant)
		ESHS – 14% (need 76 more families to reach 20% participation in order to receive a $1,000 grant)

All donations received between July 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009 count toward the Boost Your School goal.

This year's Fostering Excellence in Education campaign will raise $450,000 to fulfill needs for updated technology, physical fitness, music, and programs that provide the 21st Century workforce skills desired by future employers such as innovation, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, collaboration, communication, and writing. These programs not only help our students compete for college acceptance but also for their future careers.

With uncertainty across the nation, and even in our local schools, we understand that giving may be more difficult this year, but the ESEF is committed to staying the course, especially during tough times because we know how important a good education is for our kids.

If you're able, we encourage your family to participate and help ALL of our schools reach their family participation goals. We'll make it easy. You can give online today at www.elsegundoedfoundation.org, mail your check to ESEF, PO Box 591, El Segundo, or give in person at the school or District offices. On behalf of every child in the District, thank you for keeping education first!

Contributions to the ESEF are tax-deductible. If your employer matches charitable gifts, take advantage of the opportunity to double your support and get BOOST credit for the matched gift!