Merced County Education Foundation Raises More Than 22K for Arts and Outdoor Education

Nearly 120 community members, leaders and supporters of education attended the Merced County Education Foundation (MCEF) fundraiser on Oct. 18, where more than $22,000 was raised to support Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School and art programs for students.

At the event, MCEF President Nancy Young-Bergman, MCEF Executive Director Stacie Arancibia and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Tietjen shared information on current and upcoming initiatives and emphasized the importance of supporting experiences for students outside of the classroom.

Funds collected from the event will be allocated towards the expansion of visual and performing arts opportunities and improvements to the facilities at Camp Green Meadows. With the additional funds, Camp Green Meadows plans to purchase a planetarium and expand the cafeteria and kitchen facilities.

Central Valley Opportunity Fund (CVOF) Merced Regional Director Kim Garner and CVOF were recognized for their support with a variety of art programs in Merced, including the UC Merced Opera, Merced Symphony Association and the expansion of the Merced County Performing Arts Festival. 

As part of the festival's expansion, CVOF will collaborate with Merced County Office of Education Arts Program Specialist Noelle Chandler to increase arts opportunities for students and allow them to learn from and work with industry leaders.   

Title sponsors for the event included The HateDust Project, Tinetti Realty Group, Educational Employees Credit Union and Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union.