Stepping aside, staying involved

As the year comes to a close, I've attempted to reach out to the founders of CEEF, to its most ardent supporters, and to its growing membership.  Each has such an important role in our success: without the vision of the founders we would not exist; without the dedication of our regular donors our grant making would not continue; and without our new supporters we would not benefit from fresh perspective and renewed interest in the goals we've set. 

I have been thrilled to lead our board of directors for the past two years, and wish to thank every donor, every teacher, and every volunteer who has contributed to the achievement over those years.  It has been a pleasure to get to know so many of our educators and administrators, to meet students I wouldn't have otherwise had contact with, and to hear from community members about how they'd like to see CEEF continue to make a positive impact in our schools.

This year our two grant cycle awards contributed to a total of more than $830,000 that has been put creatively to use in our schools since 2002.  The funds are transformed into teacher grants, technology, professional development and exciting off-campus opportunities for students and staff alike.  The difficult economy has meant increasingly tricky evaluation of what it is to be “innovative and excellent,” but we believe that we are doing justice to those words that are as motivating to our board today as they likely were nearly ten years ago.

This year, despite obvious financial challenges in philanthropy across the country, we were able to capitalize on the success of our fundraising, especially the popular 2^nd Maine Home & Design/CEEF Kitchen Tour, and surpass our budgeted allotment for the endowment.  Its balance is now in excess of $305,000; well on its way to providing a long-lasting source of exciting difference-making initiatives.  These net successes also resulted in our expenses being lower than budgeted; another important accomplishment in tough times.

In January I will move back to a committee seat for the remainder of my second term on the board and hand the reins to fellow board member Tim Thompson.  Tim will bring his unique perspective of having raised five children here in Cape Elizabeth, all of whom attended the Cape schools to which Tim is dedicated.  I know that he will value the feedback and encouragement that so many of you generously offered to me over these two years of my leadership.

As I’ve said before, our most exciting grant is the one we haven’t yet funded.  The opportunities are limitless.

A happy and prosperous New Year to you and yours,

Christine