West Bloomfield Educational Foundation (WBEF)

click to donate
Visit the WBEF.org Web site!
Visit the WBEF YouTube Channel!

S.O.S. CAMPAIGN – CHAPTER 3

Dear S.O.S. Supporter:

Thank you very much for your donations to the Save Our Schools Campaign (S.O.S.). As this campaign continues in the 2011-12 school year, your support is as important as ever. Your generosity these past three years has allowed the district to purchase textbooks, teaching supplies, instruments and many useful technology tools as well as fund an anti-bullying campaign and an athlete mentoring program. Last year, the SOS Campaign combined with several family-oriented events raised $50,000. Our goal for this year is to surpass last year’s level and provide even greater support for academics, the arts and athletics. We cannot do this without you! If you have not yet donated to the SOS Campaign for the 2011-2012 school year, please do so at your earliest convenience. Our children are counting on your continued support. All we are asking for is one of the following:

A dollar a day per each school-age child in your family

A dollar a day for one year from your household or

A generous one time donation

If you have already made your donation, please accept our sincere appreciation.

Several family-orientated and creative fundraising events are being planned. Family Movie Nights, a Cocktail Party and the 2^nd Annual West Bloomfield Comedy Slam are all in the works. Committees are being formed. We welcome and encourage parents and community members to serve on any of these committees. All of our fundraising efforts focus on maintaining the outstanding quality of education in the West Bloomfield School District. Watch for additional information on these events in the weeks ahead.

On behalf of the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation and our nearly 6800 West Bloomfield students, we thank you. You are making a significant difference in the lives of these students. Please continue to support them.

Please make your donation today on-line at www.wbef.org or call 248-865-6463.

West Bloomfield Educational Foundation Gives to Schools
Group Donates over $48,000 to School District
By Joey Spano

The West Bloomfield Educational Foundation (WBEF) made the West Bloomfield School District (WBSD) Board of Education very happy at its October 24 meeting. That evening, members of the WBEF Board of Directors, presented to the school district several generous donations for the 2011/2012 school year. The WBEF is a volunteer board whose purpose is to raise funds to support academic success in our schools. The focus of last year’s fundraising efforts was textbooks, technology and fine arts, all areas affected by state budget cuts.

Through various fundraising efforts and the generous support of families and individuals in our community, the WBEF was able to donate over $48,000 to the district for the current school year. The majority of this donation was in the form of a $30,000 check, which is earmarked for the purchase of textbooks, technology and the enhancement of the fine arts program.

In addition to the earmarked donation, $11,000 was donated in the form of in-classroom grants. Last month, the WBEF invited any WBSD teacher to submit proposals for specific classroom projects aimed at improving the academic achievement of students. Over 41 grant requests were received. Ultimately, 22 programs were chosen. All ten schools within the district were represented. Many of the requests were technological in nature, including e-Books, Netbooks, video-editing software and plagiarism detection software. Programs to enhance the science, reading and mathematics curriculum were also funded.

“Our board of directors is working hard to raise funds to support the outstanding work being done by our teachers, support staff and students,” said Elizabeth Zubrzycki, WBEF Chairperson. “We are extremely pleased to be able to fund programs and projects that we undoubtedly know will help West Bloomfield students be the best in and for the world.”

The WBEF also funded two programs at West Bloomfield High School. Defeat the Label, an anti-bullying campaign, was kicked off in September. A mentoring program was also implemented in September to help student-athletes attain their goal of attending college.

“The WBEF has been one of our life-lines,” said Superintendent JoAnn Andrees. “As state funding diminishes and budgets shrink, valuable programs that help our teachers deliver the best education possible to our students cannot be funded by general fund dollars.” “This is where the foundation has been so instrumental in filling this gap, purchasing textbooks, computers and high-tech equipment that directly impacts learning and funding programs that build good character in our students.” “We are immensely grateful for their support.”

Finally, a donation was made to Laker Express, West Bloomfield High School’s Advanced Acapella Vocal Jazz and Classical Ensemble to help defray the cost to attend the Disney Jazz Celebration in Anaheim, California next February.

WEST BLOOMFIELD EDUCATIONAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Joey Spano

The West Bloomfield Educational Foundation (WBEF) is in the process of creating an endowment fund. The West Bloomfield Educational Endowment Fund is intended to supplement the foundation's current fundraising activities and establish a long-range, permanent source of funding. A gift to the endowment fund remains in the fund and generates income via various secure investments to provide ongoing additional cash flow to the foundation. Although the endowment fund is expected to take several years to grow into a meaningful amount, it will eventually provide support for our schools for future generations.

The effort is being spearheaded by one of the WBEF's founding directors and long-time West Bloomfield parent, Mr. Alan LaDuke who brought forth the proposal at the foundation board's October meeting. "I firmly believe our educational system is the key to our future success," said Mr. LaDuke. "I have spent many years with the WBEF and one of our goals was to someday build up a real 'endowment' fund of permanently restricted funds which will provide annual earnings from investments to be used to further support our school district."

"Being a CPA, I realized one way to do this is through various planned gifting strategies, which includes using Trusts, will bequests, life insurance, or retirement accounts to provide ongoing support in addition to regular annual gifting”, added Mr. LaDuke. "Therefore, I informed the WBEF that I will be including a specific bequest in my will to provide a $10,000 charitable donation to the foundation endowment fund upon my death which will be funded with life insurance."

The endowment fund accepts private gifts from individuals and corporations. Gifts may take many forms. In most cases, a gift has financial benefits for the donor as well as for the educational foundation. Gifts may reduce income tax obligations, reduce estate tax for heirs, avoid capital gains on appreciated property, increase retirement income, or create a portion of tax-free income.

Planned or deferred gifts allow a donor to maximize his or her giving. Federal and state tax laws provide opportunities to reduce or eliminate taxes by giving to recognized IRS charitable organizations such as the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation through various planned giving strategies.

"I cannot think of a better way to leave a lasting impact on our community, including our public educational system, which will provide support for years into the future," said Mr. LaDuke.

Mr. LaDuke's generosity and vision speaks volumes to his commitment to our school district and our community.

New Directors Appointed By Joey Spano

The West Bloomfield Board of Education recently appointed two new members to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation Board of Directors. Sheryl Bienstock and Sara Ward have been appointed for one year terms. Mrs. Bienstock, a 14 year resident of West Bloomfield, has two daughters attending Sheiko Elementary. She has been very involved with fundraising activities and has served on numerous school district committees. Mrs. Ward is a long-time resident and a graduate of West Bloomfield High School. She has also been involved with school fundraising events. Sara has three children, one at Gretchko Elementary and two at Scotch Elementary.

In addition, Mr. Brian Beaty and Ms. Joey Spano have been re-appointed to the board of directors, each for three year terms.

The WBEF Board recently elected officers for the 2011-12 school year. Liz Zubrzycki will serve as chairperson, Brian Beaty, vice-chairperson and Sheryl Bienstock, Secretary.

WBEF Board Voting Members 2011-2012

• Brian Beaty, Vice-chairperson
• Sheryl Bienstock, Secretary
• Brian Flaggs
• Adrienne Foster
• Kevin Goldman
• Alan LaDuke
• Todd Lunsford
• ChaRhonda Moye
• Carolyn Normandin
• Joey Spano
• Sara Ward
• Liz Zubrzycki, Chairperson

WBEF Non Voting Members 2011-2012

• Dr. JoAnn Andrees
• Thomas Goulding, Treasurer

The WBEF Board of Directors is planning a number of fundraising events in 2011-12. The SOS “Save Our Schools Campaign” continues for its third year. Family Movie Nights, a Cocktail Party and the 2^nd Annual West Bloomfield Comedy Slam are all in the works. Committees are being formed. We welcome and encourage parents and community members to serve on any of these committees. All of our fundraising efforts focus on maintaining the outstanding quality of education in the West Bloomfield School District. Once again, our 2011-2012 goals are to support Academics, the Arts, and Athletics.

Thank you for your continuing support and please join us again this year in making a difference in the lives of your children!

WBEF ……..We Believe in Education First …… Do You ?

Defeat The Label By Joey Spano

There is growing concern nationwide of bullying and the severe negative impact it has on children and the school environment. In light of these concerns, the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation is funding an anti-bullying program for the coming school year at West Bloomfield High School. Entitled, Defeat The Label, the goal of the program is to promote an inclusive, judgment-free society, void of social labels and stereotypes and combat the issue of bullying in our community. Primary objectives include building awareness about issues of diversity, creating empathy and providing students with practical tools to engage in proactive efforts to reduce bullying.

To learn more about the program visit, defeatthelabel.com.

Pictures of WBEF Events held.