Foundation looks to boost fundraising

Walk around any of Valley Stream District 13’s four elementary schools, and the contributions of the District 13 Educational Foundation are evident. Whether it’s the etched glass above the library doors, or SmartBoards in the classrooms, the foundation has been giving back for almost 20 years.

The organization was formed in 1996 and, after a period of dormancy, it has been going strong again for several years. This year, the foundation hosted a pair of fundraisers, helped a family in need and will soon hold its second annual golf outing.

The foundation raises money through a combination of grants, membership fees and fundraisers. Over the years, it has donated more than $80,000 worth of items to the schools. Students from the district marching band have the Educational Foundation to thank for the vests they wear in the Memorial Day parade. Every year, one graduating sixth-grader from each of the four elementary schools receives a small scholarship, and supplies are donated each September to help needy children in the district.

Toni Pomerantz, a foundation board member, said the needy children’s fund is one of the organization’s most important programs. Earlier this year, it gave $200 to two district children whose house was destroyed by fire, so they could get essential items such as clothing, backpacks and school supplies.

Pomerantz, a retired teacher from Howell Road School and a current Board of Education Trustee, said the foundation’s goal is to give to the schools without further taxing the residents of District 13.

Her fellow foundation board members include teachers, PTA leaders, community members and school board members. They meet the first Thursday of each month at the James A. Dever School library to discuss the organization’s finances, plan events and determine how to spend the money.

“We’re really there for the children and we have a very dedicated group,” said Danielle Vitulli, a teacher at Howell Road School, in her first year as president of the foundation.