You Can Make a Difference in Students’ Lives

Dear Friend,
I am writing to share a couple powerful stories about what a difference your support of the Alameda Education Foundation makes in students’ lives and to ask you to consider making a year-end financial contribution to support our vital work. You may click here to donate.

When Nathan* made his middle school volleyball team this fall, his coach thought he’d be thrilled. Instead, he turned it down. But the coach took the time to learn why and found out that Nathan struggles with trying anything new and thus had developed a knee-jerk reaction of saying no to everything. The coach kept him on the team and worked with him to ensure that he had a positive experience. Over the season, Nathan grew not only as an athlete, but also as a person and a teammate. He always came to practice, was very dedicated, and came out of his shell to enjoy the season. Nathan’s personal growth during the season carried over to help him academically and socially as well.

Six-year old Tyler* was so shy when he started music camp last summer that he would barely speak and then only to his teacher. When he needed help tying his shoes, he was too embarrassed to ask for help. But as the week-long camp went on, the power of music and the security of being in a small, nurturing class enabled Tyler to set aside his fears and start joining in the interactive song games with the other children. And at the camp’s final performance, guess who was belting out songs the loudest of them all – Tyler!

These are just two examples of the transformative experiences made possible by your support of the Alameda Education Foundation (AEF). Over 450 student-athletes learn about teamwork and dedication through AEF’s Middle School Sports program. Close to 4500 students experience creative, academic and social growth through our year-round Enrichment classes and camps. Scholarships make these opportunities available for students of all income levels.

So far this year, AEF has empowered teachers with $50,000 in direct donations through our Adopt A Classroom program. Equipped 4 Success, AEF’s summer collaborative school supply drive, generated 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for children in need. We purchased graphing calculators and provided grants for technology tools to support learning opportunities for low-income students at our high schools, and we continue to raise funds and seek donations to keep music (and art and drama) alive in all our schools.Now we’re asking for your support to help us continue this valuable work on behalf of Alameda’s 10,000 public school students.

Your contribution supports vital programs in art, music, drama, sports, science, technology and much more that prepare children for the future and keep our Alameda schools strong and thriving.Your contribution will make such a difference for students like Nathan and Tyler and thousands of others. Please consider a year-end tax-deductible donation today and join us in Supporting Student Success! Please click here to make a financial donation today.

With gratitude,

Bill Sonneman

*Names have been changed.