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Schools

Petaluma Educational Foundation Focused on Raising Funds for Technology, Arts, Sciences

Has raised over $5 million for local schools since 1982

The Petaluma Educational Foundation has been supporting schools and students since 1982, but not everyone is hip to what it does and why. That may change forever after PEF’s weeklong citywide fundraising Sept. 10 - 17 kicking off with the annual gala fundraiser, known simply as “The Bash.” 

“We don’t do a lot of promotions and advertising. We just pump money back into the schools,” said Janet Ramatici, executive direction of Petaluma Educational Foundation.

Since its founding during the school budget-busting, financial fall-out of Proposition 13, the foundation has raised and donated over $5 million dollars to support teachers and students in all 36 public, charter and nonprofit private schools in Petaluma.

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“Last year we gave $190,000 to the schools. It’s our heart and soul. It’s what we do,” said Ramatici.

Over the past 29 years, PEF has provided over 1,500 grants to Petaluma schools and thousands of scholarships to graduating seniors. PEF has $3.5 million in endowed funds, with 95 percent invested to fund 50 ongoing donor-directed PEF scholarships for high school graduates.

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Two hundred and fifty-six scholarship awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 were awarded this May during its scholarship reception for outstanding grads.

"PEF was one of the first foundations to donate to Mentor Me Petaluma in its early years. I applaud their focus on augmenting teachers' and schools' budgets, particularly as state funding for education declines,” said Val Richman, executive director of 

“Speaking as a parent, I remember co-writing a PEF grant for a kiln and start-up supplies for a ceramics program at l, probably 18 years ago, and that program continues to this day,” said Richman.

Petaluma Educational Foundation also receives support from sales at thrift shop at 217 Western Avenue. 

Currently, the nonprofit is focusing on technology in the schools. While they have given grants for schools to purchase and install computers and white boards, they are studying what will be needed to keep teachers and students current with ever-evolving technology.

“Right now there is a disconnect of how kids are living and how they learn. We are looking at transforming the delivery of teaching, not just buying equipment. We’re also providing workshops and share fairs to help the teachers change the ways they are teaching,” Ramatici said.

But it all takes money. That’s why this year’s gala includes a busy week of opportunities to support city schools including 'Tip a Teacher’ special pancake breakfast on Sept. 17, a counter-top tip jar at Aqus Café at Foundry Wharf; specials at Alphabet Soup Thrift Store.

In addition Bici Sports is donating 10 percent of gross receipts on bicycle services from Sept. 20-24 and Bus Stop Coffee is donating 10 percent of sales for PEF week. For a full list of businesses donating, check out PEF's site.

Also, if you want to donate an item to the online auction, it's not too late. 

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