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Apple Valley, MN --Over the past several months, significant steps have been taken by the Foundation for Early Childhood Family Services, ISD 196 to offset state aid reductions for early childhood programs. In addition to a successful fundraising campaign last winter, the Foundation recently received noteworthy grant awards, and appointed two prestigious members to its growing board.
Formed in June, 2003, the fledgling Foundation for Early Childhood Family Services works in tandem with ECFS and its Advisory Board to provide quality ECFS programs to the district. Through promotion, advocacy, and fundraising, the Foundation hopes to nurture children, educate families, and build community.
In its first year, the Foundation raised over $25,000 toward key ECFS programs, including the intergenerational immigrant program, Family School, and the at-risk pre-school program, Bridge-to-School. Reeling from over $600,000 in budget cuts by the state, Early Childhood Family Services in the district has had to significantly cut back on class offerings and staff. The Foundation for Early Childhood Family Services hopes to lessen the severity of these cuts, and gain financial independence from state support to ensure that ECFS services continue for many years to come.
A generous donation from the Meyer Foundation, a private donor, kicked off the Foundation’s fundraising efforts last January. Recent grant awards include $5,000 from H.B. Fuller Company and $10,000 from General Mills’ “Celebrating Communities of Color” grant, both for the ECFS Family School program.
At the Foundation Board’s June annual meeting, Daniel Reardon and Bret Busse were elected new members to the Board. Mr. Reardon is an Eagan resident, is a trustee for the Otto Bremer Foundation, and was appointed Chairman of the Center for Rural Policy and Development by Governors Carlson and Pawlenty. Reardon served as Vice President and Director of Bremer Financial Corporation and Director of Corporate Development for NDX Financial Services/NDX Trading. He is a graduate of University of Minnesota.
“As a parent and beneficiary of the wonderful ECFE programs, it is with great excitement that I join this board dedicated and committed to ensuring the continued growth, outreach, and vitality of Early Childhood Family Services,” said Reardon. “Education, as we all know, is the lifeblood of any vibrant community. I hope to help enhance and create awareness to the community of the social and economic importance of these programs.”
Mr. Busse recently completed three years on the ECFS Advisory Council for ISD 196, the past two years as Council co-chair. He is the Director of Marketing and Business Development for iXmatch, a leading advanced search software company. Busse serves as President of the Minnesota Interactive Marketing Association (MIMA). He holds a BS in Economics and a BA in Political Science from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas.
“My service on the ECFS Advisory Council was some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done,” said Busse. “I became intimately aware of the positive impact these programs have on all of the families in our community and the loss we will all experience if they continue to be cut. I’m excited to join the Foundation and continue my efforts to advocate the funding and growth of ECFS.”
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