Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation Pledge Days Event Raises More than $350,000

SANTA MONICA, CA – The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation raised more than $350,000 during Pledge Days, a district-wide fundraising event, which ran from Sept. 19 to 30.

More than 500 families, district employees, community members and businesses made donations during the event, raising a total of $362,875. The funds raised also include a generous and inspiring $100,000 matching gift from the RGK Foundation.

Pledge Days was a successful component of the Education Foundation’s 2016-2017 annual fundraising campaign. As of Sept. 30, in the first quarter of its fiscal year, the Foundation raised $1,378,496 in gifts and pledges, setting a new record.

“On behalf of students in the Santa Monica-Malibu public schools, we are grateful to the RGK Foundation and all donors who have contributed since the start of our annual campaign,” said David Vukadinovich, President of the Ed Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We invite all members of our community to join us as we continue this year’s campaign to fund outstanding arts education, staff and enrichment programs for our students next year.”

As part of Pledge Days, Ed Foundation and PTA representatives were on campuses at all SMMUSD elementary schools to thank donors and encourage others to support SMMEF-funded programs in Santa Monica and Malibu public schools.

“The RGK Foundation aims to be a catalyst for communities to bring about positive change and Pledge Days is a wonderful example of exactly that,” said Linda Greenberg, the Ed Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are thankful that the RGK Foundation made this investment to ensure that every student in Santa Monica and Malibu benefits from an enriched education.”

The event also included a one-day $5,000 Flash Match from CodeRev Kids and ThatTutorGuy.com, who each contributed $2,500.

All donations to the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation change the lives of students in the Santa Monica-Malibu public schools. Contributions fund excellent programs – from art to STEM to wellness – that shape our future problem solvers, visionaries and global citizens.

– News release from Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation. Courtesy photo.