PEF launches Giving Campaign 2026

Wildwood PEF representatives: Billy Deitch, Nellie Thornton and Adam Fishman

School drop-off was awash in purple and white on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as the Piedmont Education Foundation kicked off its 2026-2027 Giving Campaign. Teachers, administrators, and parents lined the curbs, cheering on students, welcoming families, and celebrating the start of PEF’s biggest annual campaign supporting our public schools.

Parents Jill Saper, Dan Saper, Stan Riddle, Monika Riddle, Courtney Azad, Marco Gonzalez Navarro, Rita Fabi

“It takes ALL of us” is this year’s theme, led by co-chairs Bindu Lokre, Brook Meakins, and Ellie Somers. “Maintaining a standard of excellence and driving future innovation requires our collective commitment,” said Lokre. “The only way our schools will continue to thrive is if everyone pitches in.”

PUSD staff: Carol Menz, Elise Marks, Sara Valkonen, Mercedes Foster, Michelle Barbera, Janine Sohn, Russell Griffith

PEF Chair Bridget Schreiber echoed the importance of community support. “We are so grateful for all this community does to support the bedrock of Piedmont, our schools. Every gift counts and helps ensure our teachers and staff have the resources they need to help our kids thrive.”

PMS Principal Jamie Van Kleeck, Adam Saville, PEF reps Catie Osborn, Jennie Stomberg, and Matt Olson with PMS teachers and staff Nicolas Saldiver, Dan Stark, Kate Waldron, Katy Levin, and Thea Horner

IT TAKES ALL OF US. Ready to be part of it? Make your Giving Campaign gift at PiedmontEdFoundation.org/donate. Families who give before November 1 will receive a purple yard sign as a thank-you for supporting our schools.

Sun Lee (tech), Martina Heppner (math specialist), Melina Rinehart (1st), Ali Martinez (5th), Anne Valva (Beach Principal), Pam Quintella (1st), Nida Zahid (4th), Lily Round (4th), Maggi Butler (4th)

Photos courtesy of The Giving Campaign

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