Community rallies for SchoolPower SchoolPower, the...

Community rallies for SchoolPower

SchoolPower, the foundation that raises money for public schools

in Laguna Beach, has raised $242,000 in its community campaign.

“The support of parents in our school district has been

tremendous,” campaign Chairman Bill Steel said. “Almost 500 families

made contributions to this year’s campaign, which is remarkable in a

year when charitable giving in general is down from previous years.”

This year’s campaign goal is $260,000, and donors can direct up to

20% of their contribution to the classrooms and programs of their

choice, Steel said. The campaign will end on Nov. 18.

SchoolPower funds go toward a variety of programs, such as music

and physical education programs at El Morro and Top of the World

elementary schools; zero period at Thurston Middle School; and

language and athletic programs at Laguna Beach High School.

Every teacher in the district will receive a portion of the money

for classroom uses, such as field trips, books and teaching

equipment. Also, a percentage of the funds will be allocated to

SchoolPower’s growing endowment fund, which currently has assets

exceeding $1.5 million.

Among the many generous gifts, the Hotel Laguna held a

fund-raising dinner that raised more than $16,600, Steel said. The

hotel is owned by district parents Claes and Georgia Andersen.

Pledges of all amounts are welcome, Steel said. All donors of $50

or more will receive the new “Laguna Locals” discount card. Donors of

$1,000 or more will be designated as members of the “Million Dollar

Club” and receive special recognition throughout the year, as well as

two tickets to SchoolPower’s Golf Classic or Dinner Dance.

The SchoolPower office is at 733 St. Ann’s Drive. Information:

(949) 494-6811.

-- Mary Castillo