Fundraising Events
Annual Wine Tasting Benefit and Auction
This event is a CEC tradition that relies on the significant efforts of its namesake Committee members, parents, friends, and businesses. Each year in June, the CEC provides wine lovers and auction goers with the opportunity to taste a variety of fine wines and foods from some of the area’s great restaurants and enjoy live jazz under the stars while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the evening directly support the CEC and its mission. For the last several years, the event has been held at the Avery House on the campus of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech)—an exquisite setting.
United Way
The CEC receives a significant amount of revenue through United Way designations. These designations, made primarily by Caltech and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) parents and alumni, are used solely for tuition assistance. These funds, in addition to what the CEC contributes, help to provide tuition assistance to more than 20 children each year. Caltech generously matches any United Way designation made to the CEC. Each year’s campaign general runs from October to December, although some employees can sign up to make a designation throughout the year.
Gifts to Special Funds
Members of the CEC community vary widely in their interests, talents and ideas. As a result, the CEC has several special funds that allow donors to designate their gifts to areas of particular interest. These funds also help to ensure that the CEC can continue to thrive with a perpetual flow of income for the Center, allowing it to face the future with financial confidence.
Teacher Endowment Fund: This fund was initiated in 2000 as part of the Annual Fund campaign. When fully funded, the endowment will help teachers receive the salaries they deserve without the need to significantly increase tuition. This endowment is in its nascent stage and marks the beginning of a concentrated effort to raise the necessary dollars to make faire and competitive salaries and benefits for our dedicated staff a reality.
Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: The CEC is committed to diversity in its programs, including financial diversity. To that end, this fund was established by a family as an expression of gratitude to the Center as their child left our care to enter kindergarden. The fund’s sole purpose is to enable families to receive the CEC’s wide range of services when they otherwise would not be able to attend the program.
The Directors’ Fund: This fund was set up in 2005 by a Board member and her husband. This permanent fund commemorates the CEC’s founders, Eric and Elyssa Nelson’s vision of the Center and their commitment to the organization. The fund’s annual income is meant to provide the Executive Director of the CEC much needed discretionary funds for staff, programs and activities.
The President’s Fund: This fund was established in 2005 by the CEC’s Board of Trustees founding co-presidents. It is used on a discretionary basis by the Executive Director to provide tuition assistance wherever it is most needed and least anticipated by the budget. It may be used to enlarge the circle of children and families who can benefit from the CEC, whether as funds for scholarships for new families or to help current families who may experience financial difficulties from time to time.
The David Goetz Memorial Fund: This Memorial Fund was established in December, 2004 by Eva and Russell Goetz in loving memory of their son and CEC alumnus, David Goetz. Its purpose is to enhance the presence of art in the CEC’s curriculum and programs. The funds may be used for a variety of activities, including staff development, art materials and a mural for the Center.
Helping the CEC as a Benefit to You and Your Heirs
There are several ways you can give to the CEC that can also address important family and financial needs. We urge you to talk with us about ways you can combine your support to the CEC with financial benefits to you. For example:
- Avoiding capital gains tax on appreciated stock or real estate
- Passing an appreciating asset to your children without gift or estate tax
- Securing a potentially increased income for yourself or a loved one
- Receiving a tax deduction now and additional income for retirement
Disclaimer: The CEC offers these ideas as suggestions for your philanthropic planning. As always, when financial matters are concerned, we urge you to consult your own legal and financial advisors.
Annual Wine Tasting Benefit and Auction
This event is a CEC tradition that relies on the significant efforts of its namesake Committee members, parents, friends, and businesses. Each year in June, the CEC provides wine lovers and auction goers with the opportunity to taste a variety of fine wines and foods from some of the area’s great restaurants and enjoy live jazz under the stars while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the evening directly support the CEC and its mission. For the last several years, the event has been held at the Avery House on the campus of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech)—an exquisite setting.
United Way
The CEC receives a significant amount of revenue through United Way designations. These designations, made primarily by Caltech and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) parents and alumni, are used solely for tuition assistance. These funds, in addition to what the CEC contributes, help to provide tuition assistance to more than 20 children each year. Caltech generously matches any United Way designation made to the CEC. Each year’s campaign general runs from October to December, although some employees can sign up to make a designation throughout the year.
Gifts to Special Funds
Members of the CEC community vary widely in their interests, talents and ideas. As a result, the CEC has several special funds that allow donors to designate their gifts to areas of particular interest. These funds also help to ensure that the CEC can continue to thrive with a perpetual flow of income for the Center, allowing it to face the future with financial confidence.
Teacher Endowment Fund: This fund was initiated in 2000 as part of the Annual Fund campaign. When fully funded, the endowment will help teachers receive the salaries they deserve without the need to significantly increase tuition. This endowment is in its nascent stage and marks the beginning of a concentrated effort to raise the necessary dollars to make faire and competitive salaries and benefits for our dedicated staff a reality.
Tuition Assistance Endowment Fund: The CEC is committed to diversity in its programs, including financial diversity. To that end, this fund was established by a family as an expression of gratitude to the Center as their child left our care to enter kindergarden. The fund’s sole purpose is to enable families to receive the CEC’s wide range of services when they otherwise would not be able to attend the program.
The Directors’ Fund: This fund was set up in 2005 by a Board member and her husband. This permanent fund commemorates the CEC’s founders, Eric and Elyssa Nelson’s vision of the Center and their commitment to the organization. The fund’s annual income is meant to provide the Executive Director of the CEC much needed discretionary funds for staff, programs and activities.
The President’s Fund: This fund was established in 2005 by the CEC’s Board of Trustees founding co-presidents. It is used on a discretionary basis by the Executive Director to provide tuition assistance wherever it is most needed and least anticipated by the budget. It may be used to enlarge the circle of children and families who can benefit from the CEC, whether as funds for scholarships for new families or to help current families who may experience financial difficulties from time to time.
The David Goetz Memorial Fund: This Memorial Fund was established in December, 2004 by Eva and Russell Goetz in loving memory of their son and CEC alumnus, David Goetz. Its purpose is to enhance the presence of art in the CEC’s curriculum and programs. The funds may be used for a variety of activities, including staff development, art materials and a mural for the Center.
Helping the CEC as a Benefit to You and Your Heirs
There are several ways you can give to the CEC that can also address important family and financial needs. We urge you to talk with us about ways you can combine your support to the CEC with financial benefits to you. For example:
- Avoiding capital gains tax on appreciated stock or real estate
- Passing an appreciating asset to your children without gift or estate tax
- Securing a potentially increased income for yourself or a loved one
- Receiving a tax deduction now and additional income for retirement
Disclaimer: The CEC offers these ideas as suggestions for your philanthropic planning. As always, when financial matters are concerned, we urge you to consult your own legal and financial advisors.