Community donations will fund classroom projects and learning experiences for SVUSD kids
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The Simi Valley Education Foundation is collecting gift cards, baskets, experiences and cash donations for its Bid 4 Education online silent auction, with proceeds going to classroom grants and student programs across the district.
The foundation is asking residents to donate items or services that will be auctioned online. Donations are due by Oct. 15. Requested items include arts and crafts, personal training sessions, music lessons, gift certificates, electronics, autographed memorabilia, jewelry, sports and theater tickets, toys and board games.
All money raised supports classroom enhancement grants, student scholarships and educational programs in Simi Valley public schools. Last year, the foundation funded more than 80 teacher grants with auction proceeds and other donations.
Donors receive recognition on the foundation's website and social media pages, as well as acknowledgment in auction materials. Items can be registered at svef.org or mailed to the Simi Valley Education Foundation at P.O. Box 1439, Simi Valley, CA 93065. Pickup is available for larger donations at 877-SIMI-KID.
The foundation's enhancement grants go to Simi Valley Unified School District educators, either individually or in groups, for projects that improve the academic environment, build richer curriculum and provide learning experiences the school budget cannot cover. The grants emphasize innovative projects and creative teaching approaches. The current application deadline for teachers is Oct. 9.
The nonprofit was formed in 1989 by Lew Roth, a school board trustee who served for 23 years. Since then, it has returned more than $2 million to local schools through grants, scholarships and programs. The foundation operates on the principle that education funding should be a community effort, not just a district responsibility.
The auction platform will be available through the foundation's website, where residents can view items and place bids once the event begins. The foundation has not yet announced the auction's start date.
"Education is Everyone's Business," the foundation's message reads. It urges residents to "please make it yours."
