EFC Grants More Than $78,000 to Local Schools
Education for the Children (EFC) had another successful school year, awarding grants and raising funds for teacher-specific programs in the Tesoro family of schools. The 2016-2017 year saw more than $78,000 worth of grants awarded to teachers at Tesoro High School, Arroyo Vista K-8, Las Flores Middle School, Las Flores Elementary School, Tijeras Creek Elementary School, and Wagon Wheel Elementary School. Some of the grants presented across grade levels and schools include: alternative classroom seating items, such as standing desks and Hokki stools; writing program tools; yoga mats; technology items such as iPads, Chrome Books and projectors; and ecospheres for biology classes.
The year kicked off with a Friends of EFC challenge sponsored by Richard and Buff Colarossi and The Highest Peak Foundation. Their challenge and support led to the Friends of EFC program increasing funds raised by almost 40 percent more than the previous year, and increased the number of families who contributed more than three times.
The EFC Youth Games held on Sunday, November 6 had record participation of more than 300 students throughout the Tesoro Family of schools. Students competed in the 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, 200-yard relay, 400-yard relay, running long jump, ball throw, soccer kick, basketball shot, and the football punt, pass and kick. Tijeras Creek Elementary School and Arroyo Vista 6-8 were the Youth Game winners.
The annual spring event was held at the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club on Saturday, March 11. Guests came in their finest ‘20s-inspired style to enjoy the Great Gatsby-themed gala where they bid on silent and live auction items generously donated by local businesses. While enjoying dinner, attendees listened to teacher testimonials from Mrs. Manisha Fish (Las Flores Elementary), Mrs. Kim Houldin (Arroyo Vista Elementary) and Mr. Tony Tubbs (Tesoro High School) about how EFC grants have helped enhance their students’ learning experiences. The event raised more than $30,000 for future EFC grants.
Looking forward, EFC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in the 2017-2018 school year. As part of this milestone celebration, EFC has the challenge to find 350 or more families to donate at least $20 by November 1, 2017. This school year, EFC will be sponsoring a family-oriented event in fall and will host the annual silent auction and dinner with a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Rancho Santa Margarita Bell Tower on Saturday May 5. Visit www.EducationfortheChildren.org to become a Friend of EFC and help the foundation meet the challenge, and get more information about the grant program and the upcoming events. EFC is a non-profit foundation comprised of volunteer parents and community members who raise money to enhance the educational experiences of our children in the Tesoro family of schools. EFC’s fundraising efforts have provided over $1.8 million dollars in school grants in the past 19 years.