The Upper Perkiomen Education Foundation (UPEF) is a non-profit organization that started last spring. Due to recent budget cuts, the group decided it was necessary to find new ways to raise money for special projects that are not funded by federal, state, or local funding, such as a new lift that was needed for handicapped students.
The first fundraiser that the UPEF will be held on Saturday, November 26, from 7 pm until 10 pm at the Prep School. The group plans to have more youth-oriented fundraisers within the upcoming months to get students more involved, not only in the school, but in the community.
“We want this group to bring the community together for the common cause of improving our schools,” explained Dr. Mark Thomas, a member of the UPEF.
The foundation has taken a lead from similar organizations throughout the country. Pottstown in particular has set an example for UPEF; the Foundation for Pottstown Education raised $52,000 with a local version of Dancing With the Stars last spring, giving UPEF the inspiration it needed.
“We’re looking to plan bigger events down the road,” Thomas stated.
UPEF plans to do big and exciting things for the Upper Perkiomen School District in the near future. Anyone who wishes to make a donation should contact member Stephanie Arnold at 215-541-2452; checks should be made payable to Upper Perkiomen Educations Foundation and mailed to 2229 East Buck Road, Suite 2, Pennsburg, PA 18073.