Eureka Schools Foundation reports fundraising gains, upcoming gala and performing arts focus

The Eureka Schools Foundation updated the board on recent fundraising and upcoming events, reporting $44,000 raised at the annual Fund Run and plans to focus this year’s Fund and Need on performing arts needs across district schools.

Jessica, identified as the foundation president, told the board the organization drew 538 participants to this year’s Fund Run — roughly the same as last year — and that the event raised more than $44,000. She said the foundation uses interest earned from a roughly $1 million endowment to fund teacher professional development; the foundation approved $38,000 for a full teacher collaboration day later this month.

Jessica highlighted partnerships and performers that helped the event (school bands and a local band called “Malpractice,” volunteer support from the National Charity League, and appearances including an Olympian who led warm-ups). She said the foundation is discussing how to spend new grant interest dollars raised above prior years’ levels and plans additional community outreach to grow future participation.

Upcoming events: Jessica said the foundation’s gala is Friday, Nov. 7 (tickets recently went on sale), and the organization’s next major fundraiser after that will be Night of the Kings (Feb. 7) and the ESF World Arts Fair and June golf tournament. The Fund and Need this year will be designated for performing arts equipment and facility needs.

Board members thanked the foundation for support; the report included requests for continued volunteer participation and community promotion of sponsor businesses that support ESF.