The Moraga Education Foundation pursued new fundraising goals in the annual Phone-a-thon at Joaquin Moraga School.

Along with MEF members, Moraga teachers and parent volunteers helped call Moraga residents from October 18-20. MEF President Diana Obrand was pleased that this year’s phone-a-thon was a success.

“The event was well attended by many wonderful volunteers (teachers, staff, parents), and fabulous food donated by local restaurants: Lamorinda Pizza, Terzetto’s, Chef Chao, and China Moon,” said Obrand.

MEF is a nonprofit organization that aims to generate additional revenue for Moraga schools. MEF is part of a joint fundraising campaign with the Campo Parents Club.

Last year they raised about $2.1 million and still was not able to restore programs that had been cut in previous years. Therefore, this year the organizations are working to achieve a new goal of raising more than $2.5 million.

Vice principal Sharon Bartlett said that MEF’s contribution to Campo is “huge,” giving significant funds to many programs such as visual and performing arts, technology, counseling services, curriculum enhancements, and staff development.

MEF also helps to fund five additional class periods and give grants to support departmental activities. Bartlett said “the problem with the State budget is that it’s currently so unreliable, so education is getting less and less money.” So far, Campo has been able to maintain its high quality school facilities and programs through the local parcel tax and MEF’s donations.

Next May, there will be another big event, the MEF Showcase.  The celebration will highlight the Campo Art and Music programs that are currently supported by the parents and the community.

Families that are interested in making a donation or want to learn more about the programs funded by MEF and Parents Club, can visit www.moragaeducation.org or MEF’s Facebook page.