Grant Elementary School in Santa Monica will run out of soap and toilet paper by the end of this month – unless the school’s PTA funds these basic needs.
In order to increase PTA money, this year Grant is inviting local residents to come to the school’s Fall Festival and help raise these badly needed funds while having a fun, family-friendly time.
The Grant Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 29 on the school’s grounds (2368 Pearl Ave in Santa Monica) from 1 to 8 p.m.
“Due to devastating budget cuts, our school continues to struggle to make ends meet,” said Alan Friedenberg, Grant Elementary School Principal. “During the last two school years, our PTA spending exceeded its budgeted funds to help make up the shortfall.”
In the past year, PTA support has shifted from funding nice-to-haves and has focused on need-to-haves.
“Our PTA used to be about the icing on the cake,” said Kim Moran, Grant PTA President. “Now we are about the cake.”
That’s why parent leaders at Grant created the Fall Festival, and are encouraging the public to attend.
The money raised at the Fall Festival will help make important upgrades happen, in areas such as computer and technology, health and safety, and academic support, as well as ensuring the school has its basic necessities covered.
The Fall Festival will feature nine rides, game booths, petting zoo, various food vendors & food trucks, entertainment including a continual Magic Show, the band Mad Men (from 6 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) and dancers, and a marketplace with goods from local vendors.
There will also be a Halloween cake decorating contest, airbrush face painting and tattoos, and a bake sale.
Local sponsors of the event include Menchies, Bob’s Market, Wells Fargo, and Sunset Park Realtors.
Follow The Mirror on Twitter: twitter.com/SMMirror
Follow The Mirror on Facebook: facebook.com/SMMirror