Southland Credit Union Sponsors LAEF’s Fundraising Campaign

Thanks to our sponsors all Los Al kids can enjoy the wellness benefits of outdoor exercise

(Los Alamitos, CA) – Southland Credit Union sponsored the Los Alamitos Education Foundation’s (LAEF) “Fundraising February for Los Al Kids” campaign at the $5,000 level.  The fundraising campaign replaced LAEF’s signature fundraising event, The Royal Gala, which Southland Credit Union has supported for the past 6 years.  Southland Credit Union has strong ties to LAEF, with two of its very own holding the title of King of Hearts – Matthew Herrick, Sr. Vice President of Marketing & Financial Services was crowned King in 2016, and President/CEO, Thomas Lent was crowned King in 2015. 

Southland Credit Union is a not-for-profit banking institution founded in 1936. It is one of the top performing credit unions in the country and has assets of $1 billion with more than 60,000 Member-owners.  Headquartered in Los Alamitos, Southland supports many local charities and events, including the Los Alamitos Race on the Base, the Los Alamitos Winter Wonderland at the Plaza and the State of the District.  Southland Members benefit from a full spectrum of competitive banking products, convenience, and exceptional service with nationwide access. Membership to Southland Credit Union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in all of Orange County and Los Angeles County. For more information on Southland Credit Union, visit their Los Alamitos Branch at 10701 Los Alamitos Blvd. or www.SouthlandCU.org.

Proceeds from LAEF’s Fundraising February for Los Al Kids will support the launch of the middle school Well Spaces, which provide mental health and wellness services at Oak and McAuliffe Middle Schools. LAEF donated $60,000 to build out the spaces and is working to develop programing and services in conjunction with district administration. Donations will also directly fund teachers for free elementary world language classes, which are taking place online for the 2020-21 school year and include Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, French and American Sign Language. The STEAM initiative and providing fee waiver scholarships for families in need continue to be areas funded by LAEF donor contributions.

LAEF Donates $45,000 for STEAM!

Pictured from left to right are Lee Principal Amy Vento, Weaver Principal Dr. Todd Schmidt, Oak Principal Erin Kominsky, McGaugh Principal Dr. Issaic Gates, Los Alamitos Elementary Principal Gary Willems, Hopkinson Principal Evelyn Garcia, LAHS Principal Dr. Gregg Stone, Rossmoor Principal Amy Coltey and McAuliffe Principal Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright.

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) was proud to donate $5,000 to each Los Alamitos Unified school campus this month, for a total of $45,000 to support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) instruction across the district.

“Even during these trying times, LAEF is committed to its mission and continues to provide funding in critical areas impacting all students,” said LAEF Board Chair Tom Lent. LAEF has experienced a drastic drop in revenue this year due to limited class schedules and cancelled fundraising events, however the Board felt strongly about continuing these donations in the important area of STEAM.

LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue presented checks to all district principals last week and said, “It was amazing to see the gratitude from all of the school principals for this gift that will allow them to continue STEAM education even in the middle of an unprecedented year.” STEAM donations will help enhance and support programs on Middle and High School campuses and principals are committed to finding ways, even this year, to enhance and inspire student engagement in STEAM and Computer Science classes. At the elementary level, LAEF continues to partner with the “Friends of” groups at each school to provide students with an enhanced educational experience from credentialed teachers and help extend the STEAM Initiative across the district.

To date, LAEF has donated a total of $225,000 to support the salaries for Elementary School Media Center/STEAM teachers and a total of $97,500 to middle schools and LAHS to support STEAM programs.

The STEAM donations are due to the community’s support of LAEF’s King & Queen of Hearts campaign. The campaign ended on February 7th at the Royal Gala and raised over $135,000. The current Queen of Hearts is retired superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp. This year’s Royal Gala will look a little different with a Fundraising February campaign in lieu of a traditional gala. LAEF will continue to honor a member of our community with strong ties to the district and the foundation. With the community’s help, LAEF will continue to raise money for funding in critical areas.