A Message From LEEF President Chris Halista
The Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation is a private, volunteer,
non-profit educational foundation that was created to enrich and enhance
the quality of education in the Longmeadow Public Schools. We are
committed to underwriting grants to provide our teachers and administrators
opportunities for innovative educational and enrichment programs beyond the
tax supported budget. In the past seven years, we've raised over
$1,000,000 as a result of our fundraising efforts. In addition, we have
awarded $561,000 and funded 144 teacher grant requests. In the past year,
our Board of Directors voted to partner with the Community Foundation of
Western Massachusetts (CFWM) for investment and fundraising support
opportunities. LEEF maintains both a Sustaining Fund and a permanent
Endowment with CFWM.
One of LEEF's primary goals, this year, is to develop and strengthen
our grant writing and research efforts in order to expand our gift
giving program. In addition, we are reaching out to local businesses
and institutions to seek their support as Event Sponsors of our Annual
Fall Gala/Auction. The Gala is scheduled for November 15th at the
Longmeadow Country Club. It's a wonderful evening and a great
opportunity to add your support to our fundraising efforts.
As in the past, our Phonathon and Parent's Fund Drive are scheduled
for the spring. When our Board Members and volunteers have called
your home to ask for your support, your expressions of gratitude on
behalf of your children and their teachers have been so rewarding.
Thank you! Those thoughts are what motivate us to expand our
fundraising initiatives.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and our dedicated volunteers,
we thank our donors for their generosity and confidence in our mission.
Our educators are the BEST! Help us to continue to grow and reward
them with enrichment tools that will inspire our children.
Sincerely,
Chris Halista
