Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF) announced the launch of the 2020-21 Giving Campaign for Piedmont schools on Tuesday, September 22. Many of you were able to join us in the launch by enjoying free Popsicles, as we passed out hundreds to excited families last week. The “Giving Campaign Mobile Popsicle Party” took the place of last year’s Popsicle social in Piedmont Park.
This year’s Giving Campaign Chairs Amelie Kappes, Colleen Allan, and Teebie Saunders and their kids had a blast decorating the truck and distributing Popsicles and ice cream. Ben Kappes exclaimed, “It was awesome how excited everyone was to see us and enjoy a cold Popsicle on a hot day!” It was a wonderful sight to see during a very unusual time in our lives.
The festivities continued into the evening when PEF hosted nearly 50 families who are new to Piedmont schools at a virtual celebration. As a large celebratory gathering would not be prudent at this time, PEF delivered goody bags of beer and snacks to help the families attending the celebration feel more festive.
The goody bags were donated by Mulberry’s and delivered to each family to enjoy while listening to informative anecdotes from PEF Chair Nicki Gilbert, Wildwood parent Kat Di Piazza, Superintendent Randall Booker, and several others. To help facilitate a similar experience to a face to face social gathering, during breaks parents were directed to virtual breakout rooms and had a few minutes to meet each other.
“In other years we have been able to invite new families to an event so that they can get to know their fellow parents,” said Heather Frank, Piedmont Education Foundation Executive Director, “Chatting informally is such an important part of developing the community here, we wanted to do our best to provide that experience.”
The Giving Campaign is the largest annual community fundraiser for Piedmont schools. Funds raised each year through the Giving Campaign and other PEF fundraisers are granted to PUSD to help meet the district’s goal of providing each child with an exceptional education. Please watch this brief video to learn more about why it’s important to give this year.
With Gratitude,
Colleen Allan, Amelie Kappes & Teebie Saunders
Co-Chairs, The Giving Campaign
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