HOW TO HELP

Most people are aware of the tragic budget cuts imposed on our public schools. However, many do not realize that the average teacher spends over $1,000 out of their own pocket to pay for basic supplies they desperately need. Next to parents, teachers are the biggest influence in shaping our children's futures. The Teacher's Fund, a non-profit organization was established in 2002 to assist local teachers with the purchase of the school supplies they need. Each school year, Renee Grubb and Ed Edick, the owners of Village Properties, donate $25,000 to the Teacher's Fund in order to directly support our local teachers with the materials they require to educate their students and 100% of contributed funds are awarded to the teachers who've applied for assistance. All administrative and additional expenses are covered by Village Properties.

There are a few parameters set for qualifying for grants. The Teacher's Fund is available to all public or private school teachers who are currently teaching Kindergarten through 8th Grade in all of the Santa Barbara County. Due to the overwhelming demand for basic school supplies and books, the Judge's Committee focus on awarding as many requests for general supplies and items of lasting usefulness that benefit a large number of children. The majority of requests went from field trips and special fun projects to items like a vacuum cleaner because janitorial services had been cut and math books due to the fact that the children couldn't buy them and the school couldn't provide them.

Since its inception, the Teacher's Fund has awarded nearly $360,000 to over 863 local public and private elementary and junior high classrooms. We typically receive about $15,000 a month in requests and are able to fund about $8,000 a month.

Due to the overwhelming number of requests, and the devastating budget cuts our schools are continually faced with, we need your help. While we may not be able to solve the budget crisis, we can make a difference one classroom at a time.

If you are interested in helping the Teacher's Fund assist more local teachers, please contact Renee Grubb at 805-969-8900. Also, you are welcome to specify how you would like your tax-deductible donation or contribution to be awarded, such as a particular teacher, school or district. You will be notified as to how your donation was used to help our teachers and our children. Please remember, no amount is too small.

Village Properties would like to salute our community's teachers who make a difference in all of our lives through their important work with our children. In addition, a special thanks goes to a few of the many contributors of the Teacher's Fund for your continued support:

• The Orfalea Fund
• Fidelity National Title Company
• Steidl Consulting, Inc.
• First American Title Company
• Pizza Mizza
• Beach Grill at Padaro
• D. Crosby Ross
• Jan Winford
• Rodgers Insurance Services, Inc.
• Lisa Smithson
• Julie & Priscilla Swenson
• Independent. Order of Oddfellows
• Liliane Kirby