I spoke to Realtor Julie Sullivan today about the Mt. Diablo School District. Julie (along with information from Mark Lloyd, Vice President of the Mt. Diablo School District) filled me in on the help that this critical school district needs.
Q: In a nutshell, what is happening at Mt. Diablo School District ?
The 4000 high school student athletes of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District need your help They are short money ($250,000) to keep the sports in the schools. I know many people may think, I don't have a kid in Mt. Diablo School District why should I help? For Realtors, it will be very challenging trying to sell a home in the Mt. Diablo School District and then having to tell your clients they have no sports programs. For the people who live in the district right now this greatly affects the values of their homes including there goes Northgate and College Park too! In March of this year, faced with multiple millions in budget cuts, the school district eliminated the annual funding of high school sports, an $800,000 budget item that must now be made up through individual booster organizations and "contribute-to-play" fees. The United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (UMDAF) was established as a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization in May of 2009 to generate complementary financial support for all six high schools in the MDUSD - Mt. Diablo, Ygnacio Valley, Northgate, College Park, Clayton Valley and Concord High.
Q: What does high school look like without sports?
A: No "Friday Night Lights," no three-pointers at the buzzer, a homecoming dance without a homecoming game, no chance for learning new athletic or team-building skills, no opportunities for college recruiters to scout....this is happening in Contra Costa County within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) right now.
Q: Tell me about the foundation
A: The Foundation - which is separate from the school district - is comprised of parents and community members from all six district high schools and is a cooperative effort of the six high schools working together as one team with one common goal: MAKE ATHLETICS HAPPEN! The foundation team has had huge successes with the help of several very generous donations, plus numerous fundraisers. The MDUSD school board adopted the foundation's funding plan and our first of three high school sports seasons began in September. The funding plan has been successful for the most part; the foundation has raised approximately $150,000 and the schools "contribute-to-play" portion has brought in $105,000.
Q: What is next?
A: On October 27, 2009, the school board will determine if winter sports can compete based upon the fall fees raised. So for a lack of a better way of putting it, "it's crunch time - it's the end of the fourth quarter with no time outs left and only a Hail Mary in our arsenal". We find ourselves in need of about $250,000 to continue sports and begin the high school winter season - which could mean no basketball, soccer or wrestling for students who are hoping to use their athletic skills on college applications, and may prevent a student from wanting to stay in school.
Q: How can you help?
A: Currently the UMDAF is reaching out to our greater business community, our local professional sports teams and professional athletic foundations for help in sponsoring a high school athletic season. We are hopeful you will help us fund local high school sports and benefit from goodwill advertising and public relations. All funds generated will be shared equally between all six schools. In addition, you can be part of our efforts. The Foundation has announced its largest fundraiser to date - a 5K run/walk for all ages and skill levels on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Newhall Park in Concord. Participant entry fees will be $20-$25 and benefit high school athletics in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. In addition to the 5K run, a benefit concert is planned for the spring of 2010 at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord.
Q: What can we do if we would like to make a donation?
I know it is difficult times for all however if you can spare any amount please make a check to United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation or UMDAF and leave it attention ‘Julie Sullivan' at the Walnut Creek office. In addition, please spread the word and ask anyone you feel is appropriate for a donation. Together, we can make a difference!
For further details on our events, go to UMDAF's website: www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org or for more information please contact me or visit their website at www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.
Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates
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