Once again, Benefit for a Brighter Future exceeded all our expectations. Almost 400 guests attended and our net proceeds for the event topped $110,000!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, every dollar we raised at this event is now helping to provide our children with music education, fitness activities, Outdoor Education, innovative learning opportunities, and our Summer Math Institute.

We were proud this year to recognize Wells Fargo with our RCEF Investor Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions of time and support for both the RCEF and the District. Wells Fargo has clearly surpassed these criteria. Since 2000, Wells Fargo has provided $206,833 in educated-related funding to students in our District. The District directly received $89,633, and 13 out of our 17 schools account for a generous $65,200. Wells Fargo also contributed $3,000 to Music for Minors, provider of the RCEF’s Music for Learning program. The RCEF considers itself extremely fortunate to be among those selected for support by Wells Fargo, and received $49,000 during this period, including lead sponsorship of last year’s Benefit for a Brighter Future and a Platinum level sponsorship this year.

Past recipients of the Investor Award have included the Westly Foundation, Oracle, and the Redwood City Civic Cultural Commission.

For the first time, we recognized a key education volunteer with our Inspiration Award in honor of Pat Crawford. While everyone who helps our students plays an important part in our district, there are always those who stand out for their service and ability to inspire others to take action. We were proud to present this new award to Susie Peyton, who has worked longer and harder than anyone else we know to support our students' education. Among her many roles, Susie has volunteered at her own children's schools; served on the RCEF Board; been a member of the BBF committee since its inception; served on the District's Financial Advisory Committee; and is now actively involved with a new education advocacy organization — Educate Our State. Susie continues to inspire us to persevere in our own efforts and in bringing new volunteers on board to help our amazing Redwood City students.

A good cross section of these students was evident throughout the evening, helping with the event and discussing their participation in the "What Makes Learning Fun" art project sponsored by the RCEF. For this project, each school prepared its own banner mural on the theme "What Makes Learning Fun." Custom-framed mockups of the artwork were available by silent auction at the event, and the banners were on display for all to enjoy. View banners.

Participants also heard from Brian Edwards of EdSource and RCSD School Board Trustee Shelly Masur on what the future holds for education in Redwood City in 2010 and beyond. Brian provided a clear explanation of how the state's school finance system works. (See Brian's presentation.) Shelly discussed the implications of unpredictable and inequitable school funding for our students. (See Shelly's presentation.)

We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Pacific Shores Center management, staff, and tenants for once again allowing us to use their beautiful facilities, free of charge.

  Inspiration Award
  Recipient

Susie Peyton

  Investor Award
  Recipient

  Presenters

MC: Don Horsley

Redwood City 2010 & Beyond Speed Seminar:
Moderator: Craig Baker, Superintendent San Carlos;
Shelly Masur, RCSD School Board Trustee;
Brian Edwards, EdSource Senior Policy Analyst

Table Top Orchestra Conductor: Steve Carleton, Peninsula Symphony Orchestra

  BBF 2010 Committees

Honorary Host Committee
Chairperson: Warren Dale
Alicia Aguirre
Nicole Bergeron
Patricia Brown
Shannon Cody
Ray Dawley
Gary Gaddini
Jorge Jaramillo
Lorianna Kastrop
Pamela Kurtzman
Alisa MacAvoy
Memo Morantes
Bill Moyer

Planning Committee
Chairperson: Walid Naja
Gail Blomstrom
Lisa Carlos Queener
Sheila Cepero
Donna Collins Williams
Kim Freitas
Stacy Guthmann
Kris Johnson
Jennifer LaMantia
Diane Martin
Elaine Park
Susie Peyton
Amy Sahn
Jo-Ann Sockolov
Georgia Solkov Jack
Jane Taylor

Program Support
Event Booklet: Jackie Killen
Sound: Jack Stevens & Paul Kelly
AV: Rick Collins