Friends of Oak Park schools host March 21 Golf Challenge

By Lori Porter porter@theacorn.com

Friends of Oak Park Schools, the only nonprofit education foundation dedicated to helping the Oak Park Unified School District with its financial needs, is hosting its second annual Golf Challenge on March 21 at North Ranch Country Club.

The foundation established the golf challenge last year to raise money for Measure D4, the parcel tax proposal that Oak Park residents overwhelmingly approved. The state tax will generate about $1 million for the district.

The money will help California more ably fund its schools. Currently, state schools rank 43rd in the nation in per pupil spending. Local property taxes generate about one-third of the district’s budget. The remaining funds come from the state.

The district is facing shrinking enrollment during the next few years because Oak Park is essentially "built-out." State cutbacks have also shrunk funding for the district’s budget.

Barry Myerson, president of the foundation, said the passage of Measure D4 will help.

He added that last year’s event was successful not only in terms of dollars raised but in how the community rallied around the school district when word got out that the district was facing financial challenges.

"When putting on any first-time event, there is always room for improvement," said Myerson. "But, I am very proud of the group that produced last year’s tournament. They deserve a lot of credit for pulling off such a successful event in a short period of time."

This year is also the 25th anniversary of the school district and Myerson said this milestone will be celebrated at a dinner during the tournament.

The event begins with a 10 a.m. breakfast followed by registration. A putting contest and other contests will take place throughout the day.

The tournament begins at 11 a.m.

A reception and silent auction will take place from 5 to 6:15 p.m. followed by the dinner celebration and live auction.

"This is one of the few events that brings parents and teachers together from all of the Oak Park schools," Myerson said. "We are very proud of this."

The Second Annual Friends of Oak Park Schools Golf Challenge has many sponsorship opportunities for both individuals and businesses.

Myerson and others are currently registering golfers and sponsors; they welcome anyone interested in volunteering.

The foundation is seeking donations for the silent and live auctions.

For more information, contact Jeffrey Lee at (818) 991-5099. To make a donation for the silent or live auction, contact Andy Goodman at (818) 644-6022.