CEEF’s Annual Appeal

“Fundraising? Now?” Anyone involved with a non-profit organization must be hearing this question at least occasionally as the fundraising “season” heats-up. While the reasons behind the answer are complex and delve into strategic planning and budgeting for the future, the simple answer remains the same for organizations in any economy: YES.

We believe CEEF satisfies a need in our community. The grants we’ve funded over the years have had a wide ranging impact on our community and our town. For example, this spring former Senator and statesman George Mitchell spoke to our students as a guest of CEEF-funded World Affairs Council at the high school. Your contributions to CEEF supported professional development this past summer for many of our teachers, ranging from literacy to gelatin printmaking, and other dollars went to launch a “page-to-stage” program at the high school. Additionally, large grants were awarded this year for the high school cafeteria via the Wellness Committee and for the middle school’s new math program, both of which will fundamentally change our schools from within. (Please read more about these exciting initiatives elsewhere in this e-news.) We’ve come a long way since the opening of the high school Achievement Center in 2005, and we feel we’ve only just begun.

CEEF’s role as a steward of excellence and innovation in Cape education has never been more necessary. While we cannot predict future public debate and eventual status of school funding, we can continue to provide a means for Cape Elizabeth residents to directly impact the funding of programs that fall outside the school budget.

Many of us are here in Cape because of our town’s past commitment to educational excellence. We stayed here, or moved here, so our kids might benefit from that commitment. And, we’ve supported CEEF because we knew, intuitively, that this lofty idea of excellence and innovation doesn’t happen by accident. With your time, talents, and funding, CEEF has, and will, accomplish much toward making this excellence a reality in our present and future.

Please consider this mutual commitment when asked to support CEEF’s annual fundraising appeal. Even in difficult economic times, our mission and vision continue to offer a unique way to ensure our schools remain among the best in the state. The CEEF Board understands that donations may be difficult to make this year but every contribution is greatly appreciated.