The tennis courts at Wilson Middle School had fallen into complete disrepair. With broken concrete and rusted fencing, the five courts were completely unusable.
 
About three years ago PEF began working with representatives from the Chapman Wood neighborhood association to look at ways to fund a renovation so that students could swing their rackets once again. The cost, however, seemed prohibitive.
 
Much to everyone's great excitement, a PEF donor stepped forward and donated to PEF the large and generous gift for the five courts. The donor, who chooses to remain anonymous, says, "The much-needed renovation turned out beautifully. The students deserve a facility that they can be proud to walk into everyday. We are happy to have helped with this effort, and look forward to seeing many students practicing their swings on this wonderful new courts."
 
Neighbors through the Chapman Wood Association organized their own appeal and raised about $12,000 for sports equipment. The work was completed by Malibu Pacific Tennis.
 
Wilson students, along with those at Willard Elementary across the street, now have access to tennis classes, and can use the courts during PE and the afterschool program. The courts are also opened to the public after school hours. 

 

PEF awarded 103 PUSD teachers and 12 school principals with grants totaling almost $166,000 at a reception at the Altadena Town and Country Club in December.  Teachers overwhelmingly asked for grants to purchase LCD projectors but also plan to use awards to purchase classroom libraries, science lab equipment, computers, musical instruments, and art materials. Teachers also received funds for educational field trips to a variety of venues, including the Museum of Tolerance and Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific.  Awards range from $300 - $5,000 and will benefit thousands of children in the Pasadena Unified School District.

 

PEF's Teacher and All School Grants program, its flagship program now in its 27 year, is proven as a vital resource for teachers and principals to fund equipment and instructional materials that enhance the curriculum and increase student achievement. 
Funds are provided with major support from Washington Mutual, Girardi & Keese, the Helen & Will Webster Foundation, and gifts from individuals and businesses.  

 
Photos Top: Grant receipients from McKinley School.

Bottom: PUSD Superintendent Edwin Diaz; Board of Directors, Helen and Will Webster Foundation Richard  Webster; School Board President Tom Selinske. 

Support PEF Through the Pasadena Marathon
Register now for the first-ever Pasadena Marathon, rescheduled from November (due to fires) for Sunday, March 22. PEF is a beneficiary and our PUSD students will be winners. Add "PEF" as your charity code. Visit www.pasadenamarathon.org to register. For more information, call us at (626)396-3600, ext. 88350.

 

 More On Us