Following images by Jay Sharman. www.jaysharman.com
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Venice/Mar Vista, California – (May 7, 2014) – Nationally recognized for its model programs, Walgrove Elementary has just received a generous donation from Matthew McConaughey’s “Just Keep Livin” Foundation for the school’s upcoming Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser, scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2014. The grant will be added to the event’s goal of $20,000 to provide much-needed funds for the critical, family-funded P.E. program at Walgrove (L.A.U.S.D. no longer provides the monies for P.E.). Spearheaded by Fitness Expert Rachel Grigsby, the program includes team sports, yoga, and hands-on training in living an active life.
“Coach Rachel’s program serves not only to get our students out and moving, but helps to build in them a strong sense of cooperation and community,” says Walgrove Principal Olivia Adams. “In this time of limited budgets, how wonderful that, through community support, our students are able to benefit from such an experience!”
According to Adams, Walgrove is a neighborhood public school that serves a diverse population of students with 45% of whom are socio-economically disadvantaged, 23% with disabilities, and 9% with English as a second language. She notes: “the one thing they all have in common is the need to develop a healthy and active lifestyle to set them up for success in the classroom and beyond!”
Friends of Walgrove (FOW), the school’s very active booster club made up of volunteer parents and community members, is reaching out to the Walgrove communities of Venice and Mar Vista this month to support the event. For the past three years, Walgrove students have historically raised $10,000 with personal pledges. However, this year, the goal is $20,000. In order to bridge the gap, FOW is hoping the community will match the kids for $10,000. They encourage all neighbors and area businesses to consider being a sponsor at any level – from $20 for one student to being a $1000 platinum sponsor (which would allow you a thank you banner on the school’s fence)!
Donations can be sent via Go Fund Me: http://www.gofundme.com/7rn34c
Or Mail Donations to: Friends of Walgrove:1630 Walgrove Avenue, Mar Vista, CA 90066
About Just Livin Foundation:
The just keep livin Foundation was started by Matthew and Camila McConaughey; and is dedicated to empowering high school students to lead active lives and make healthy choices to become great men and women. www.jklivinfoundation.org
About Walgrove Elementary School:
LAUSD and Superintendent John Deasy recently announced “Parent and Community Engagement” as a targeted district goal for improving our local schools. Walgrove Elementary, a new model for a winning neighborhood public school, is living proof that engaging community partners directly strengthens and enriches our children’s education.
