The Orinda Network for Education (ONE), which raises funds for Orinda public schools, celebrated its third anniversary on March 14 at a gala at the Wilder Art and Garden Center. (L-R) Operations Manager Meredith Friedman, Board President Brian Rogers and Executive Director Emily Allen.
Celebrating its third anniversary March 14, the Orinda Network for Education (ONE) has raised almost $14 million dollars for Orinda public schools since its founding in March 2020. And, if the organization reaches its goal for this academic school year, it will add another $4.8 million to its coffers.
Although officially three-years-old, the idea for ONE was conceived eight years ago, according to the group’s president, Brian Rogers. Noticing a lack of cooperation between Orinda’s six parents’ clubs, which span the Orinda Union School District (OUSD) and Miramonte High School, Rogers saw the prospect to harmonize their efforts.
And after countless phone calls, meetings and emails between Rogers, school administrators and the parents’ groups, this opportunity became a reality.
Before ONE, the clubs were siloed, rarely communicating with one another. Now, ONE hosts roundtables where these groups join forces and strategize.
Describing the utility of these meetings, Jill Hughes, vice president of fundraising for Miramonte’s parents’ club, said they meet regularly and talk about best practices and share ideas for fundraising.
“If Sleepy Hollow or Del Rey is doing something really well, it is helpful to hear what is happening at the other school sites, to fundraise as effectively as we can,” said Hughes.
Increased collaboration has helped parents’ clubs collect more donations, a critical revenue source for the city’s K-12 institutions.
The OUSD is second to last in state funding, according to their website. ONE contributions make up more than 10% of the district’s budget.
As for Miramonte, many of its programs – such as the Latin curriculum, college and career services and wellness center – are successful because of local support.
“Without them [ONE] our programs would suffer, our class sizes would suffer, our academic course catalog would suffer,” said Miramonte Principal, Ben Campopiano. “We are a first-class school and academic institution that is one of the best in the state and one of the best in the country. A huge reason for that is our parental support and our community support and ONE really leads the way with
that.”
With professional staff, ONE has the capacity to explore new fundraising opportunities.
Emily Allen, executive director, said she and her team have contacted local businesses and realtors to bring in new donors. Collaborating with Campopiano, Allen is working to create a formal alumni association for Miramonte, a development which could offer current students access to invaluable mentors, while increasing donations.
Members of ONE lightened the workload on parents who have been volunteering their time to make sure Orinda’s schools are well-funded while juggling full-time jobs or caretaking responsibilities. By standardizing routine activities, such as processing donations and budgeting, the group has saved others precious hours in their packed schedules.
Rogers reflected on ONE’s anniversary.
“When you get to look back over three years, it’s kind of a crazy whirlwind,” he said. “But the fact that we’ve been able to successfully hit our numbers all three years and grow and build out this organization, is definitely something everyone who is associated with ONE should be proud of – it’s doing good work.”
Thanks to a generous donor, all contributions to ONE, until the end of this school year, will be matched. Donations can be made at www.oneorinda.org/community-giving.
Tristan Shaughnessy can be reached at tristan.c.shaughnessy@gmail.com.
