The mission of the Lake Elsinore Valley Education Foundation, a component fund of the Inland Empire Community Foundation, is to provide scholarships to college bound LEUSD students. Providing books to elementary age students, is a program started in 2012. The Foundation was created in honor of former LEUSD Superintendent Dr. Sharron Lindsay, who envisioned it as a lasting way for the community to help support students of all abilities to pursue a college education. Fundraising activities for scholarships include an annual golf tournament in April and partnerships with local businesses.

LEVEF 2022 Scholarship Winners

NEW BOOKS BRING SMILES TO STUDENTS IN THE HOLY FIRE BURN AREA

Withrow is one of the most heavily impacted schools in the Holy burn scar area, so students have had anything but a normal school year. To avoid the risk of mud and debris flow during inclement weather, Withrow Elementary must be closed each time mandatory evacuation orders are put into effect—a disruption and loss of 10 instructional days since the Holy Fire postponed the school start.

According to LEVEF president Kevin Pape, “We chose Withrow to kick off our First Book Program to give students a needed lift. We were fortunate Dr. Judy White, Riverside County Office of Education Superintendent of Schools, could join us to see smiles first hand, accompanied by LEUSD Superintendent Dr. Doug Kimberly.” Over 500 free books were distributed in 20 classrooms on February 6th.

THANK YOU ELKS FOR THE GRATITUDE GRANT

In 2020, the Elks awarded the LEVEF with enough to purchase 2,700 books. This donation, along with their past contributions and those of other local businesses to date, have given us the opportunity to pass out approx 16,000 books to younger readers. In 2020 we distributed hundreds of books to schools in early January but were halted by the Coronavirus. We will complete our distribution when social restrictions allow at local family events. If you see our booth at a local event in 2021, come up and pick out a book for your child or to give to someone special in your life. We are forever grateful for the Elks partnership and look forward to working with them again.

2021 GOLF TOURNAMENT

If you’re looking for a great way to spend some dollars that have tax benefits and offers a great weekend respite, look no further than our Golf Tournament. We have tentatively set the date of April 24, 2021 for our next tournament. If you are interested in being part of this event as a sponsor, please remember that some levels of sponsorship include player registrations so it’s a win -win! Our sponsorship levels range from $100 to $3,000 so there’s a giving level for every budget. If you are interested in participation, the fee is $130 per player. We do offer a discount if you register a foursome. Contact us and we’ll get back to you with sponsorship forms and player registration information. Stay tuned and visit our website in January 2021 for more details about the Tournament as we see how the guidelines for events unfold due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

BRINGING JOY TO HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN

Recently, Supervisor Kevin Jeffries hosted a Santa at the Village event  at the new community center located on the old Butterfield school site in the county area of Lakeland Village. Cars with families lined up for the drive thru event to see live penguins, enjoy holiday giving from local organizations and of course Santa made an appearance. We all practiced safe social distancing but the spirit of the season was front and center. The LEVEF participated with Directors Judy Guglielmana, Jeanie Corral and Kevin Pape handing out hundreds of books to local kids. We have to thank the Elks organization for making it possible to gift children with books through their Gratitude Grant program.

LEVEF Scholarship Application 2023 updated Fillable