We are so grateful for the generosity of our community here in Oakland—and beyond—that have continued to be so generous during these difficult times.
I signed over 1200 cash assistance checks in the last 6 weeks to help families who experienced devastating job losses and illness to feed their families and survive. Each week is a humbling experience. I say thank you to each of you as I sign knowing that our children are just a little better off this week. We couldn’t have done any of this without you.
I was so touched to hear from the principal at Prescott Elementary, Enomwoyi Booker, who told us about a mother at her school who was so grateful to all those who have contributed to make cash assistance available to her. The mother had just needed to borrow $20, so we knew the financial assistance was finding the right people.
We also have incredible people in the community who have even done their own fundraisers for our COVID-19 Relief Fund. People like Lisa Rothman, a stage actor, who put on a special performance via Zoom that netted $1,880. Alexis Bloom, a yoga instructor, helped raise $900 via her online yoga sessions. Ginger F. has raised over $6k selling masks. And Eileen H. from Oakland raised $1,500 from her online bakesale of delicious cookies. Thanks to all of them, and to everyone, for your incredible creativity, support, and generosity.
You answered our call to Close the Digital Divide in Oakland and helped us raise $12.5 million to ensure every student has access to computer and internet through our #OaklandUndivided campaign in partnership with Oakland Unified School District, the City of Oakland, and Tech Exchange.
We also celebrated our first-ever Virtual Read-In! Big thanks to the Oakland community for stepping up to celebrate the 5th annual Asian Pacific American Read-In Week in a new and exciting way. We are so thrilled to be able to continue these quarterly events online and to meaningfully contribute to distance learning content for students with read-aloud videos by authors and members of the community.
As the school year comes to an end and summer begins, I find myself reflecting on how different this Summer and next school year will be for the lives of our Oakland youth
I can say, with certainty, that no matter what happens, the Ed Fund will continue to adapt to ensure the 20-21 school year kicks off strong for all Oakland students.
We will do this, together with you. Stay safe and be well.