Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) Launches Its Newest Campaign, The Board of Directors’ Holiday Matching Gift Challenge

The Wellesley Education Foundation Board of Directors pledge to match every donation made to WEF in December, dollar-for-dollar, up to $18,000; Giving the gift of education during the holiday season doubles your impact.

The Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) announces the launch of an exciting new initiative, The WEF Board of Directors’ Holiday Matching Gift Challenge. Through this program, members of the board of directors have aggregately pledged to match every donation made to the Wellesley Education Foundation in the month of December 2013 for up to $18,000.  Each gift will be doubled through this drive.  Additionally, supporters will enjoy tax deduction benefits from their donation. The goals of the WEF Board of Directors’ Holiday Matching Gift Challenge are to increase monetary contributions available to fund educational excellence and innovation in the Wellesley Public Schools as well as to heighten WEF’s awareness within the local community during the holiday season.

The Wellesley Education Foundation Board of Directors is a working and governing board that is 40 dedicated members strong. “Our board members are incredibly passionate about education. WEF’s new Matching Gift Challenge demonstrates the high level of our collective commitment to the Wellesley Public Schools,” states Michelle Arbeely, co-President of WEF. “The pledge to match donations by our Board of Directors promises to rally our supporters in a very thoughtful and compelling way during the holidays,” adds Annie Cohen, also co-President of WEF.

Gifts to any current Wellesley Education Foundation campaign are eligible for the match:
•    WEF Red Apple Program is a meaningful way for parents and students to show their appreciation to a teacher and staff member through a gift to WEF in his/her name.
•     WEF Annual Appeal, another popular WEF initiative, allows for funding of many innovative programs that enhance and enrich the educational experiences of Wellesley Public Schools students.
•    WEF Donations of appreciated stock and securities are also welcomed through the Holiday Matching Gift Challenge.

As with every WEF campaign, funds raised through this new holiday drive will benefit the Wellesley Public Schools (WPS).  Last year, The Wellesley Education Foundation allocated over $120,000 in grants for WPS.  Several larger initiatives passed last winter, including $70,000 for the 1:1 Technology Pilot Expansion and $25,000 for the WPS Strategic Plan Initiative, bringing the total amount of last year’s WEF funding for WPS to more than $215,000.  WEF-approved funds are granted to teachers and administrators who have submitted well-documented grant applications that align with WEF’s mission to provide educational excellence and innovation in Wellesley’s Public Schools.

Other than its traditional charitable fundraising initiatives such as the Red Apple Program and the Annual Appeal, WEF has also organized the Wellesley Spelling Bee, a beloved community event, for the last 24 years. New in 2014, WEF will proudly present the first ever Wellesley Science and Technology Expo.  Planned for April 5, 2014, the EXPO will promote hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning through exhibits, lectures, movies, and demonstrations at Wellesley High School.

About Wellesley Education Foundation
Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to investing in programs that enhance, enrich and maintain educational excellence and foster innovation in the Wellesley Public Schools. Since 1984, residents and businesses of our community have collaborated and supported the Wellesley Public Schools through generous donations to WEF. Wellesley, MA has a long tradition of valuing its schools and providing high-quality education to our children. WEF’s Board of Directors consists of volunteers who are committed to preserving the quality of the Wellesley Public Schools. We raise funds throughout the year by seeking contributions from residents, businesses and corporate/private enterprises, which believe that excellent public schools are essential to the social and economic fabric of our community.

The WEF Board or Directors’ Holiday Matching Gift Challenge

•    Summary of Program — Members of the WEF board of directors pledge to match every donation made to the Wellesley Education Foundation in December for up to $18,000.

•    Matching Gift Period — December 1 to December 31, 2013

•    For More Info — www.wellesleyeducationfoundation.org

•    Contact Info — wellesleyeducationfoundation@gmail.com