Santa Paula Foundation for Youth President Ralph Fernandez said, “We have some wonderful auction items and great, hardworking volunteers” in the crowd, including SPESD teachers and administrators. “The Holly Rollers, Isbell Chorus and band played for us last year and we wanted them back, the park is just great, the weather nice and the views,” courtesy, noted Fernandez, of Limoneira, who offered their park for the event, “spectacular.”
Public awareness of the need of arts in the schools is rising “as money gets tighter people are becoming more aware of the schools,” and Fernandez said the success of schools relies now more than ever on outside support. Last year the foundation awarded about six grants, and Fernandez said the board is already considering allocations - most about $250 - for the fall. Grants are used for supplies, field trips, projects, programs and other needs to make arts-related activities available to all SPESD students.
The nonprofit Santa Paula Foundation for Youth, initially founded in 1993 and revived in recent years, is devoted to providing arts in the classroom that “enrich students, excite their imaginations, enhance their performance in other subjects and instill a lifelong love of music and the arts.”
Fernandez, also a Santa Paula city councilman, noted teachers submit applications “for all types of projects and trips; they just have to be for fine or performing arts. The foundation believes that education in the arts is vitally important in keep children engaged in school,” as well as improving learning and comprehension skills.
Those who would like to discuss funding a grant are asked to call Fernandez at 525-8529. Checks for donations in any amount can be made out and mailed to Santa Paula Foundation for Youth, c/o 139 Arthur Ave., Santa Paula, CA 93060.