PEF Newsletter Fall 2025
Dear Friends of PEF,
Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year’s PEF BASH: Boots, Bling & BowTies! We are especially grateful to Beaumont Farms for welcoming us into their stunning venue and helping make this year’s celebration such a joyful and memorable evening.
Because of YOUR generosity, we raised an incredible $200,000+ for the Fund the Future special paddle raise during our live auction. These pledges go directly toward supporting innovative educational programs through our PEF Impact Grant program.
But the BASH is just the beginning. Our work to fund the 2025-26 Impact Grants is now underway, with this year’s awardees being selected and announced in November. Our goal is to raise over $300,000 this academic year, which means now is the perfect moment to join us: whether through donations, volunteering, or sharing our mission with your network.
Together, we can ensure Petaluma area students have the tools, opportunities, and inspiration to thrive.
With gratitude,
Your friends at PEF
Maureen, Katy, Sharon, & Liz
Progress Report: On the Road with the PEF Board Bus Tour
Tomorrow, our Board of Directors will embark on the annual PEF Bus Tour to see the 2024-25 Impact Grants in action. This is one of our favorite days of the year because we get to see your support come to life in classrooms across Petaluma and hear directly from students and educators on how the grant is positively impacting their learning environment. Follow along on social media for photos and highlights!
We also extend a heartfelt thank-you to LaVia Apartments for organizing a successful Back-to-School supply drive and donating the items to PEF to distribute to the property's neighborhood school, McKinley Elementary. Supplies went directly to local classrooms on campus, making an immediate difference for students.
Recess: Beyond the BASH
TK/Kindergarten Information Night & Schools Fair
📅 Wednesday, October 8 | ⏰ 5:30–7:00 p.m. | 📍 Petaluma Women’s Club, 518 B Street
Free and open to all Petaluma families (babes in arms welcome). Meet school representatives, learn about timelines, and get answers to your registration questions. Your one-stop shop to start school strong! Learn more.
Healthy Petaluma “Teens & Tech” Series
📅 October 15 & 22 ⏰ 5:30-6:30 p.m. 📍 Zones Petaluma Project, 8 4th Street, Petaluma
A series for parents and students exploring technology, wellbeing, and family connection. Learn more.
PEF’s Business Breakfast Club
📅 Thursday, October 24 | 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. 📍Cafe Bellini, 100 S. McDowell Blvd.
Educator Corner: Grant Applications Due Today!
📌 Attention educators! Applications are due today, October 1. Be sure to submit your application via the online portal before 5:00 p.m.
🎓 Scholarship season is just around the corner! Our scholarship portal will open December 1, 2025, offering students access to scholarships designed to support those who wish to further their education after graduation at 2-year colleges, 4-year universities, or trade/vocational schools. Thanks to our generous donors, PEF awarded over $300,000 to 276 students through 446 scholarships from 94 PEF-managed funds last April.
Alphabet Soup: From Closets to Classrooms
As we head into the busy holiday season, we are seeking additional volunteer assistance. Volunteer shifts are a fun and easy way to give back, and donations of quality, gently used items keep our shelves stocked and our programs funded. Join us in making Alphabet Soup thrive this fall!
We would love to add you to our volunteer team. Please reach out to our store team to learn more about our volunteer opportunities, or email them here. We have flexible shifts that fit your schedule.
Furniture donations needed at our Alphabet Soup @ Home Store:
Did you know Alphabet Soup offers free pickup of large furniture donations? Let us help you support our stores by scheduling a pick-up. Email us with a photo and description of the items, and we will coordinate a date and time that works for you!
