PCEF launches “Give $360 to Build the Foundation” campaign

Park City Education Foundation updates name and way to give; Beat the Call is out, Build the Foundation is in. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) has introduced a new annual parent appeal campaign: “Give $360 to Build the Foundation.” The campaign aims to provide Park City School District (PCSD) schools with 360 degrees of support.

“Many families don’t know Utah is the lowest-funded public education system in the country,” said PCEF President and CEO Ingrid Whitley. “On top of that, $170 million of Park City’s state education tax dollars leave to fund other state education needs.”

PCEF contributes more than $1.5 million annually to schools, funding programs that impact every PCSD student.

“The programs our students love and need — and that parents depend on — such as art and STEM programs, classroom grants requested by innovative teachers, and more, are funded by donations to PCEF,” Whitley said. “In fact, PCEF programs help lift our district to one of the best in the state.”

“Build the Foundation” replaces “Beat the Call” and encourages parent participation in a friendly competition. The campaign asks parents to contribute $2 per school day or about $30 monthly. Parents may also join the Scholar Circle with a gift of $1,000 or more annually, but donations of $1 or more are welcome.

Donations can be made online before Oct. 4.

“PCEF support has been unquestionably a defining factor in student and teacher success,” said PCSD teacher Lisa Hebert. “The programs help raise student achievement and narrow the opportunity gap by giving access to all levels of various subjects, allowing students to progress at their own speed.”

PCEF’s “Build the Foundation” runs from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, 2024. Donations made during the Red Apple Gala on Oct. 5 will also count. Schools with the highest percentage of parent donations can win one of three cash grants, each worth thousands of dollars, courtesy of UPS Stores Park City. Participating schools can also earn pizza or breakfast parties.

“It’s so nice to have this widespread community support,” said Lesley Rockwood, a PCSD teacher. “[PCEF] promotes our profession and puts teaching in the spotlight. PCEF brings recognition and focuses on what’s most important in the classroom: teachers and students.”

“It is a joy to see Park City come together every year to ensure every student succeeds,” said Jennifer Billow, PCEF’s vice president of advancement. “When you give to PCEF, whether it’s one dollar or $10,000, you help build the foundation for our students to reach their academic and lifelong potential.”