The Torrey Pines Elementary School Foundation (TPESF) is our school’s version of a PTA or PTO. The Foundation operates as a 501c3 non-profit organization. This means we can operate with greater discretion over monies raised and are not subject to any state-mandated process. We, as parents, in collaboration with the school administration can create the kind of learning environment we want for our children. We make this happen by providing financial support for programming that the state and federal government no longer support such as art, P.E., and music.
As a parent or guardian of a student at Torrey Pines you are automatically a member of the Foundation. The Foundation has a volunteer Board of Directors that is comprised of parents elected for a one-year term late each spring for the following school year. While the board meets in closed executive sessions at least once a month, we also hold monthly open meetings to discuss current activities and issues of interest for parents. Look for the dates for upcoming meetings in the TWIG, our weekly newsletter, and on the electronic message board. Please come and learn more about what is happening at Torrey Pines. We would love to see you!
Thank you for helping us raise more than $145K during the 2007-2008 school year. Again, we broke our record! Your financial contributions will:
Without your financial contribution none of this would be possible.
In order to continue expanding these wonderful programs our “unrestricted” goal for 2008-2009 is $148K. Our fundraising is designed to reach each Torrey Pines family and our broader school community. Traditionally we sell gift wrap, T-shirts, and decorative tiles, we host the Halloween Carnival, the Heart and Sole Walkathon, and our Spring Gala, and we issue a general-appeal-for-funds letter. Throughout the year we also have various events at local restaurants where a percentage of what you spend is donated to the school. Everyone has a different level with what they are comfortable donating. We realize this and that is why we have a variety of ways we fundraise and they are spaced out over the school year. Whether you are able to donate $10, $100 or even $1000, every dollar donated helps us reach our goal. It takes a combination of everyone’s donations and we appreciate every contribution!
It is easy to think that all the Foundation does is fundraise, BUT we also work to facilitate parent volunteers. Most of our programs would not be possible without the help of volunteers. Whether you are able to donate one hour or ten hours of your time, please consider volunteering. There are so many areas that could use your time: be a Room Parent, help with the music or art programs, take an hour to run a booth at the Halloween Carnival, bake an item for the bake sale, the list could go on and on.
There are many ways to stay informed! Please read the weekly TWIG and monthly Branching Out , look in the Tuesday Envelopes, watch for messages from your Room Parents, and check out the electronic message board. All of these will keep you informed about the “happenings” at Torrey Pines as well as areas where volunteers are needed. If you see an area where you would like to help, please get in touch with anyone on the Foundation Board, and we will put you to work!
My personal belief is that our fundraising efforts and volunteering go “hand in hand”. Our fundraising efforts could not exist without volunteers AND donations. An example of this would be our Halloween Carnival. It takes hundreds of volunteer hours, as well as underwriting, ticket sales, and participation to make this event a continued success year after year. Both the volunteers that put it on and the families who participate are equal to the success of this event. Without one, the other would not happen. This scenario is true with every fundraising event that the Foundation sponsors. Every dollar donated and every hour volunteered makes a difference and are equally important! Whether you help at an event, make a donation, or are able to do both, my sincere hope is for a commitment at some level from each and every family at Torrey Pines. I believe that if we all work together there is no limit to what we can accomplish for our children. But, as much as has been undertaken by the parent volunteers and the foundation in years past, there is always more that can be done. Your suggestions and ideas are always welcome!
Thank you!
Missy Coleman, TPESF President 2008-2009
