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Madera Elementary SchoolMadera Elementary

Family group

Madera Elementary Foundation

The Madera Elementary Foundation (MEF) is a non-profit, completely run by volunteers, with a simple mission: enhance the Madera experience for students, families, and staff by supporting curriculum and building community. MEF’s sole purpose is to raise money for programs the school could not otherwise sustain. All funds go directly to Madera Elementary, and all donations are tax-deductible.

Join PTA & MEF for 2026–27 Email the MEF president
Pancake batter spelling “Thank you Madera!” with a smiley face piped onto an outdoor griddle at a school breakfast
Status
Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit
Tax ID
47-5658402
Membership dues
$5 per member

Your impact: enriching student learning

Here are just a few of the programs and resources made possible by your support:

  • Art teacher support and supplies
  • Classroom and teacher supplies
  • Cultural arts assemblies
  • Field trips
  • Garden enrichment and farmers’ market
  • Handy Helpers
  • Library books
  • Math Olympiad
  • Music enrichment, sing-along and concerts
  • Recess equipment
  • Reading support
  • Running Club (with PTA)
  • School murals
  • School supplies
  • Science Fair
  • Spelling Bee
  • 5th grade puberty education
  • 6th grade science camp
  • 6th grade graduation ceremony

How we raise funds

  • Annual Giving — a direct donation campaign for student programs and classroom resources.
  • Online Auction — bid on items and experiences that support enrichment programs.
  • Maderathon — students raise funds by running laps and gathering pledges.
  • Gala (biennial) — an evening of fun, fundraising, and community celebration.
  • Pancake Breakfast — flapjacks with friends, classmates, and families.
  • Alumni, business, and community support — sponsorships and donations keep programs thriving.

2026–27 Board of Directors

Portrait of Cat Stone
Cat Stone
President
cat@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Cassie Zola
Vice President
cassiez@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Mitch Stolz
Treasurer
mitchs@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Gerry Lorigan
Secretary
gerryl@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Stephanie Nitz
Communications & Sponsorship, Enrichment Coordinator
stephanien@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Susanna Oseguera
Volunteer Coordinator
susannao@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Portrait of Stephanie Ferrara
Stephanie Ferrara
Annual Giving Coordinator
stephanief@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Allison Rutland
Kick-off Social Coordinator
allisonr@maderaelementaryfoundation.org
Donna Simkovic
Ex Officio (PTA President)
president@maderapta.org
Portrait of Erica Ehmann
Erica Ehmann
Ex Officio (Principal)
erica.ehmann@wccusd.net

Frequently asked questions

What is the Madera Elementary Foundation?

A non-profit, parent-run organization that raises funds to provide educational enrichment programs not funded by our school district.

What does MEF pay for?

Enrichment activities that benefit Madera students — music and garden programs, reading support, assemblies, field trips, puberty education, library books, and classroom and office supplies.

Where does the money come from?

Members and volunteers bring in donations from individuals and organizations, and volunteers run revenue events: Annual Giving, the Gala, Maderathon, business sponsorships, Madera Market, restaurant nights, and shopping rebates.

How do I become a member?

Complete the membership form and pay the dues, currently $5 per member. Members elect the MEF directors at the annual meeting in May or June.

Who runs the MEF?

Its directors, who meet at least monthly and choose which enrichment activities to fund. The bylaws call for at least eight and no more than eighteen directors, including the PTA president and the principal.

Documents & links

MEF budget report, 2023–2024 MEF budget report, 2024–2025

More Madera family groups

AAPACHandy HelpersNeurodivergent FamiliesPTARainbow FamiliesRoom ParentsWelcome Program
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