The Lakeport Enhanced Education Foundation (LEEF) is hosting their annual Party With A Purpose event on March 14 at Fritch Hall at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The catered dinner and dance will feature local musicians and both a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50. All proceeds benefit the Lakeport Unified School District’s educational programs.
The main purpose of LEEF is to broaden educational opportunities within LUSD. LEEF supports Lakeport Elementary School, Terrace Middle School, Clear Lake High School, Lakeport Alternative School, Lakeport Community Day School, and Natural Continuation High School by providing funding for educational enhancements and district wide improvements. LEEF was established in 1992 through a grassroots effort. A small group of residents who shared a common concern for education formed LEEF as a way to ensure that adequate funding would be available to maintain educational excellence.
TMS Principal and LEEF Vice President Jill Falconer adds, “LEEF exists and is able to continually support the district because of the support of local businesses and individuals that have contributed to LEEF over the past 20+ years. Every donation is equally important. Whether it’s an auction item, a donation of time, or the purchase of a Party With a Purpose ticket, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our wonderful community. All of these donations turn directly into a book, a computer, or a band instrument that goes directly into the hands of our students.”
Since adequate funding is not always available through the schools, LEEF provides funds for materials, supplies, educational enhancements, and special programs. LEEF raises money from the local community through fundraising events, like Party With A Purpose, and then distributes these funds to the schools through the LEEF Grant Program. The grant program was established to ensure that funds are fairly distributed. Any faculty member or student of LUSD may apply for LEEF Grant consideration. The LEEF Board governs grant approval. Particular attention has been given to Lakeport School’s music department, district-wide improvement to campus environment, and programs which otherwise would not exist or would operate at a lower level because of funding restraints.
In 2014 LEEF awarded Lakeport Elementary School approximately $1000 to purchase durable trash receptacles and benches. Terrace Middle School received a $1,000 grant to purchase new student books and a $500 grant to purchase new equipment for the science program. Finally, the junior class at Clear Lake High School was awarded $100. LEEF grant applications are accepted year around. The LEEF Board hopes to support more technology in the classrooms through future grants. For more information, or to apply for a grant, email info@lakeportleef.com or visit www.lakeportleef.com.
Party With A Purpose tickets are available at the Clear Lake High School office, the Terrace Middle School office, and at Linda’s Hallmark Store. The cost for a single ticket is $50. The cost to reserve a table for 10 is $500. Space is limited. Call the Terrace Middle School office at 262-3007 for more information.
