I have been meeting with leaders of other local educational foundations and am struck by how fortunate we are in South Pasadena to have such consistent support for our schools. Despite economic challenges, our community continues to put its money where our kids are.

As the state budget crisis persists in creating chaos for school funding, we’ll all need to continue this commitment. Maybe you have already given and want to give more. Or, perhaps you’re feeling the crunch yourself but would still like to help out.

So, here is a top 5 list of creative ways to give to SPEF without opening your own wallet.

• Play matchmaker: If you’ve already given, there may be an equal amount just waiting for your employer to send along. Please click here to see if you work for an organization willing to match its employees’ charitable gifts. If so, just give us a call and we’ll do the rest. Two minutes of your time could double the impact of your donation!
• Ante up to the auction: If you have a business, consider donating merchandise or services to be auctioned off at Parti Gras 2010-- our schools will benefit and you will enjoy exposure to our 800 or so guests. Don’t have a business? No reason to be left out of the auction fun. Last year, eight families in my neighborhood got together to create a progressive dinner auction package. SPEF earned several hundred dollars and we’re having a great time putting the event together. Find out more about this year's Parti Gras by visiting our Parti Gras section.
• Do what you love: SPEF board member Bill Fleming is combining his passion for running marathons with his passion for our school district. He’s gathering donations for his upcoming L.A. Marathon run next month and has designated SPEF as the recipient of those funds. Consider putting your hobbies, talents, and passions to work to help our schools.
• Got stock? Balancing your portfolio? Divesting yourself of poor performing assets? Looking for a tax break? SPEF is able to accept your gift of stocks that you no longer wish to keep.
• “Classy” act: Did you know that you could name SPEF as the recipient of the funds remaining from class action lawsuits? I didn’t. At least until a sizable check arrived last week from an anonymous donor.

As donors, let’s model the creativity and innovation we are expecting from our school district, administrators, teachers and staff by finding different ways to take our own giving to new levels. Our kids are counting on it.

Julie Giulioni