Back-to-School – Boost Your School! Fall means Back-to-School, which means it's time, once again, to Boost Your School! Your gift to the Foundation not only provides extra wish list items for your child/children's school, but this year there's something in it for you too! Several area businesses and restaurants have donated gift cards and other items to support our efforts to enhance the ESEF's annual giving campaign. This year give early, give often, and increase your chances to win one of many prizes! Every donor makes a difference. Especially parents, because there's strength in numbers. Your gift counts, no matter the amount. Thanks to each one of you who gave last year so the Foundation could fund important programs throughout the District. On September 9th, ESEF Chairman Richard Lundquist followed through on the Foundation's promise to provide $450,000 to the ESUSD after the successful completion of the 2007-2008 campaign. Now that classes have begun again and schedules are back in order following a busy summer, the ESEF is preparing for another successful year. The Fostering Excellence in Education campaign for 2008-2009 will again 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. The new school year also marks the 25th Anniversary of the ESEF. "We are proud of the Foundation's legacy and continued commitment to Fostering Excellence in Education for the 3,300 children in the El Segundo Unified School District," says Lundquist. In honor of our anniversary, the BOOST campaign is designed to give back to our faithful parent donors. Every $50 gift toward Boost Your School between now and January 31st earns an opportunity to win a prize! The first Boost drawing will be held on October 3rd (give today for the best chance to win!) and subsequent drawings will be held every other week. Donor names remain in the drawing until drawn or until the Boost campaign ends. Donors will be contacted if their name is drawn. Remember, the more often you give and the earlier you give, the better your chances to win. Parents who want to go the extra mile to help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary may join the Superintendent's Roundtable at the $1,000 level and automatically receive a $100 Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar gift card; those who join for the first time at the $2,000 level will receive a $250 Fleming's gift card. (Matching contributions qualify and gift cards will be distributed when full contribution is received.) All new SR members will be invited to attend the Superintendent's Roundtable Reception on Monday, October 27th at Occasions. Also, to make better use of your Foundation contributions, we're "going green" this year with our annual donor report. Traditionally printed and mailed to 3,000 donors and supporters, this year we'll print a smaller amount and provide a digital (PDF) report to every donor and friend of the Foundation. Should you desire a printed annual report, please contact the Foundation at (310) 615-2650 x299. Your gifts help ensure that the excellent programs your children have access to in the ESUSD will survive any future state budget cuts. On behalf of every child in the District, Thank You for taking a stand and putting education first! Contributions to the ESEF are tax-deductible. If your employer matches charitable gifts, you may be able to double your support! Boost Your School gifts can be made online at www.elsegundoedfoundation.org; by mail to ESEF, PO Box 591, El Segundo; or in person at the school or District offices.