LAMORINDA WEEKLY | LPIE launches transformational $12M endowment campaign


Danielle Silvani Gallagher on stage with Bret and Karen Taylor and Tom and Karen Mulvaney Photo Jeff Heyman

Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) - which for more than four decades has provided critical funding to Lafayette's six public schools - welcomed students, family, friends and dignitaries Feb. 10 to Lafayette Plaza Park for a celebration that included food trucks, live music, games and activities and featured a special announcement regarding its groundbreaking endowment campaign, which seeks to invest in a stable, secure, and self-sustaining source of funding that will benefit generations of students.

LPIE's Executive Director Elizabeth Horpedahl said, "Our public schools need a long-term solution to the inconsistent funding provided by the state. The endowment will serve as a permanent fund to enhance and stabilize the long-term growth of LPIE's annual contribution to the Lafayette School District and Acalanes High School. This is our generation's chance to make a lasting impact and to be an example of innovation and sustainability for community education foundations."

"This is a historic moment for Lafayette." said Lafayette School District Superintendent Brent Stephens. "A transformational endowment ensures that LPIE's impact continues to allow us to nurture every student, in all grades and in all stages of their educational experiences."

Through tremendous early philanthropic support, LPIE has secured $8.7 million toward its $12 million goal. LPIE thanked the more than 40 donor families representing current parents, alumni families, community members, future parents, and individuals across generations who have laid this inspiring foundation, with special thanks to Bret and Karen Taylor and Tom and Karen Mulvaney, who have committed extraordinary cornerstone gifts of $5 million and $1 million, respectively, demonstrating their belief in public education and local schools. "Karen and I are so excited to support this endowment and close the funding gap to get students the education they deserve," Bret Taylor said.

Citing no true safety net, with the unreliability and inconsistency of state funding, Tom Mulvaney said there needs to be a more permanent solution.

Thanking all the generous donors, Danielle Silvani Gallagher, current parent, alumni, and Campaign Co-Chair with Tom Mulvaney, said, "There is still much to be done and we hope others will be inspired to join the effort. This is about more than the dollars raised, it is about coming together to put our names behind this lasting legacy!"

To learn more about LPIE and the endowment, email Horpedahl at elizabeth@lpie.org or (925) 299-1644 or visit LPIE.org/endowment.