More Than $25,000 Raised for Arts and Outdoor Education

Nearly 130 people attended the Merced County Education Foundation (MCEF) fundraiser to benefit arts and outdoor education, where more than $25,000 was raised in support of Camp Green Meadows Outdoor School and arts programs.

The event, hosted at the MCOE Downtown Center, united community members, educators and supporters from across the county. The evening featured dinner, a dessert and wine auction and music video presentations from Camp Green Meadows featuring local performers, Abby Samuelson, Abigail Roe and Madison Mitchell.

Guests also had the opportunity to purchase centerpiece globes created by students from Volta Elementary School in Los Banos during their time at Camp Green Meadows.

Funds collected from the event are allocated towards the expansion of visual and performing arts opportunities, student scholarships to summer camp and improvements to the outdoor school’s facilities that will allow more students to attend each week during the school year. 

“Each year, I am reminded of our community’s love for Camp Green Meadows when they turn out for our events and share their stories,” said MCEF Executive Director Stacie Arancibia. “It is important with the upcoming 60th Anniversary that we continue to upgrade and improve the facilities.”

MCEF supports art programs such as the Merced Symphony Children’s Concerts, UC Merced’s Opera for Children and scholarships for Foster Youth to participate in visual and performing arts classes throughout the year. 

MCEF will soon offer Arts Grants for local teachers to supplement classroom or other arts programming needs. Some previous grantees include Buhach Colony High School for show rights and scripts, Ballico Taiko for guest instructors and field trips to performances in other communities and a Kindergarten Teacher for a special classroom project and field trip to a local performing arts program.  

“The camp and arts experiences for our students go beyond the traditional lessons and are important in building community and self-esteem,” Arancibia continued. “We couldn’t do this without the support of our community and sponsors.”

Thank you to title sponsors Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union (MSEFCU), Educational Employees Credit Union (EECU), Tinetti Realty Group and The Hate Dust Project. The Hate Dust Project committed to match donations up to $10,000. Additional event sponsors included Central Valley Community Foundation and Dust Bowl Brewing Company.

To help support arts and outdoor education programs for students, visit the MCEF donation page.