This year marks 25 years of the El Segundo Educational Foundation's pursuit of excellence in education for children in El Segundo public schools. Some of you were students yourself in this district; many of you have children who are; all of us are part of a community that has benefited from two and a half decades of generous support for our local schools. As we close out 2008, celebrate with us an incredible 25 years!

In the quarter century since our founding, the ESEF has granted close to $2.75 million to the ESUSD, providing for every-day technology advances that, in 1983, we never could have guessed we'd need. Grants have also supported music and physical education programs at the elementary levels. Students in the District now have access to enhanced writing instruction, leadership opportunities, and practical applications for their science and engineering coursework. The District is focused on preparing students to be a successful part of the 21st Century workforce, and every year the Foundation--with its dedicated parents, volunteers, and donors--is standing by to answer the call for funding that will help achieve these goals.

Just recently, former El Segundo residents Keith and Joy Schuldt attended the October Superintendent's Roundtable dinner to celebrate the naming of the Keith and Joy Schuldt Fine & Applied Arts Building at the high school. In 2004, the Schuldt's donated their building at 225 Richmond Street to the ESEF Endowment Fund. The sale of the building, which formerly housed Schuldt Printing, amounted to a $450,000 gift. Thanks to additional Endowment gifts over the years from Kim and Bill Bue, Jr., Duane Conover, and Plaza El Segundo, the ESEF Endowment has now grown to over $1 million, an investment in the future that will one day fulfill new hopes we likely haven't yet considered.

With each passing year, the Foundation grows stronger thanks to the support of local businesses, parents, families, alumni, and educators who believe in the work we're doing together. Twenty-five graduating classes have come and gone. Children who started kindergarten in 1983 graduated from El Segundo High School more than a decade ago. On behalf of every generation that's walked the hallways of El Segundo's public schools, we thank you for your support.

If you haven't made a gift yet this year, why not celebrate with us and donate in honor of a special child or teacher who has made a difference in your life?

It's easy to give online at www.elsegundoedfoundation.org. Just make a special notation in the Comments box. Or you can mail your check to ESEF, PO Box 591, El Segundo or give in person at the school or District offices.