Bill’s Word — Shopping, Hoops and Alameda Sucess Stories
Thank You!
As we move into 2011, I want to thank all of you who responded to our 2010 end-of-year appeal. Your generous contributions enable us to continue to support and manage the vital programs of the Alameda Education Foundation, programs which directly impact students here in Alameda.
Shop-4-Education!
Need to work off a few pounds after the holidays? Ready to cheer on the Warriors? Maybe you need to update your insurance or you’re considering refinancing your mortgage. And you know you should get those gutters cleaned before the next rains come. Then again, perhaps you’d just like to relax on a Friday night with some nice wine and soothing music.
Whatever your needs, check out AEF’s Shop-4-Education program. Just visit our web site and you’ll find a wide variety of businesses that support Alameda public education with some really amazing promotions. Support businesses that support our schools and happy shopping!
Hoops Time!
AEF’s Middle School Basketball season is underway and from the look of things, it promises to be an exciting season. Several games have been won in the last second! Check out the schedule and remember, middle school sports receives no district funding – we depend 100% on community support!
Nights with the Warriors
Speaking of hoops, the Golden State Warriors are offering discounted tickets for three games this winter with $5 from each game benefiting AEF’s Middle School Sports program. Games are on February 25, March 13 and April 10. Every ticket purchase includes a food voucher good for a hot dog, bag of chips and a soda. Visit AEF’s web site for ticket purchasing information.
Friday Night Flights
Smooth jazz and fine wine more your style? Then you’ll enjoy Friday Night Flights at Angela’s Restaurant & Bar. On February 25th, March 4th & March 11th, for a $10 donation to AEF, enjoy two wine tastings and great local music. Menu items are also available for purchase.
Adopt-A-Classroom
AEF’s newest board members, Kathie Wolfe (chair) and M.J. Brandenberger, are working like gangbusters on this vital AEF program. A couple weeks ago, they delivered nine Adopt-a-Classroom $500 checks (that’s $4500!) to Alameda public school classrooms. So far this school year, the Alameda community has adopted 75 classrooms – that’s $37,500 that has gone directly into Alameda classrooms!
Measure A
Finally, I want to provide you with my thoughts on the upcoming parcel tax measure, Measure A. I am pleased to see so many Alameda organizations supporting this measure. Our schools do a wonderful job of educating our children. Two Encinal High School grads are teaching in Washington DC as part of the KIP (Knowledge is Power) program. These sisters grew up in Alameda and want to serve kids. My hope is some day they come to Alameda to teach the next generations. I ran into another former student at Lucky’s who told me that after graduating from Encinal, she went to Cal, then to Bolt Law School, and now she is a corporate litigator. A wonderful teacher at Lincoln Middle School just informed me that her son, a senior at Alameda High School, received an early acceptance to Vanderbilt in Nashville. There are many stories that highlight what is being done in the schools. But if you want quality, it comes with a price. Please join me in voting “yes” on Measure A on March 8th.
Sincerely,
Bill