Tuesday, November 22, 2011

SPEF

Every year they sprout up in yards all over town like mushrooms: little orange and black signs with the cryptic letters of SPEF.

When I first moved here, I saw these signs and wondered what they meant, and why so many good people supported them. South Pasadena Exciting Friends? Silly Putty Exotic Fantasies? Some People Enjoying Fountains?

All good guesses, but no.

SPEF stands for the South Pasadena Educational Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity designated by the South Pasadena Unified School District (SPUSD) as the official private fund-raising organization for the support of the district's educational programs. Donations to SPEF support all of the schools in South Pasadena, providing funds for academics, books, arts, technology, sports and much more.

'Tis the season for giving, and what better way to give than in support of our future?

6 comments:

Judy Williams said...

Maybe if people gave more money, the teachers would give less homework.

Fryewerk said...

They go door to door? Send a mailer? I have never seen the opportunity to donate. I think we are probably not at home when they come by...

alex said...

i like passing by apartment or condo complexes where multiple families donate. the whole block gets filled with these signs.

Anonymous said...

For JF, it is primarily a phone drive. However, you can also give online (www.spef.com) or the SPEF office in the school district building on El Centro.

Mister Earl said...

It's primarily targeted at parents, isn't it Anon? And businesses. And they also have fund raisers that many in the community attend.

Patricia said...

Oh yes, as a parent of 5 kids, all grown up now, I have donated many, many times to these fundraising efforts. It is usually a phone call saying well the average parent is donating $100 (or whatever amount), so would you like to do the same? So if you don't say why yes, I'd be delighted to donate that amount, you are the terrible parent. Trust me, this is the way it happens. These private donations are usually found in the better school districts, which South Pas is.