President’s Message

August News & Updates

August 2026

President's Message:


As summer comes to a close, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make the 2026 Alhambra Educational Foundation Summer School programs a tremendous success. Thanks to the dedication of our outstanding teachers, instructional aides, administrators, office staff, nurses, custodial teams, volunteers, and the continued partnership of the Alhambra Unified School District, hundreds of students had the opportunity to continue learning, grow academically, and prepare for a successful school year. Your commitment to our students is truly appreciated.


As we welcome students, families, and educators back for the 2026–2027 school year, I wish everyone a year filled with learning, achievement, and new opportunities. As the parent of an incoming freshman at Alhambra High School, I can certainly relate to the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with the start of a new school year. Whether your child is beginning kindergarten, transitioning to middle school, starting high school, or returning to a familiar campus, each new school year brings fresh experiences, new friendships, and opportunities for growth. I encourage all students to embrace the journey ahead with confidence and curiosity, knowing that our schools, educators, and community are here to support their success every step of the way.


AEF remains committed to supporting our schools through innovative educational programs, teacher grants, literacy initiatives, student leadership opportunities, and community partnerships that enhance the educational experience for every student.


Mark your calendars for the Alhambra Educational Foundation's Shopping Extravaganza at the Citadel Outlets on Saturday, September 19th! This exciting fundraising event offers a full day of exclusive shopping discounts, special retailer promotions, entertainment, prize drawings, and more—all while supporting AEF's programs that benefit students and teachers throughout the Alhambra Unified School District. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to purchase yours early and invite your family and friends to join in the fun. Every ticket purchased helps AEF continue providing innovative educational opportunities and resources for our schools. We look forward to seeing you there!


https://landing.citadeloutlets.com/ShopX



This fall promises to be another exciting season for AEF as we prepare for the 13th Annual Alhambra Pumpkin Run & Festival on Sunday, October 25, 2026. One of our community's favorite fall traditions, the Pumpkin Run brings together hundreds of runners, walkers, families, businesses, and volunteers for a fun-filled morning celebrating health, wellness, and community spirit. Whether you're striving for a personal best in the 5K, 10K, Kids 1K or Kiddie Fun Run enjoying a walk with family and friends, or cheering on participants, there's something for everyone.


Registration is now open, and we encourage everyone to sign up early and invite family, friends, and coworkers to join in the excitement. Proceeds from the Pumpkin Run directly benefit the Alhambra Educational Foundation and help fund programs that enrich educational opportunities for students throughout the Alhambra Unified School District. We look forward to seeing our community come together once again for this exciting event and making an even greater impact on local education.


Sponsor opportunities are available for the run as well.


https://alhambrapumpkinrun.com/


We are also grateful to our generous sponsors and community partners whose support makes our work possible. Their investment in education continues to have a lasting impact on the students and schools we serve.


On behalf of the Alhambra Educational Foundation Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and wish all of our students, teachers, and families a safe, successful, and rewarding school year.


Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and strengthening our community through education.


Steve

Stephen R. Perry

President

sperry@aef4kids.com


PS - the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year is on Thursday, August 13th.



Shopping Extravaganza


Mark your calendars! We have been selected to participate in the 21st Annual Shopping Extravaganza at Citadel Outlets!


Please join us on Saturday, September 19th, starting at 9 a.m. for a fun day of shopping, wine tasting, lunch, and exclusive shopping deals on top of Citadel Outlets’ daily savings of 30-70% off. Tickets are available now at www.citadeloutlets.com/shoppingextravaganza.com. Please remember to select the Alhambra Educational Foundation (AEF) when purchasing so that we receive funds from the ticket sale! 


Tickets are $40 per person and include:

  • Exclusive discounts at Citadel Outlets’ luxury fashion brands 
  • Private catered lunch, presented by Ruby’s Diner
  • Live entertainment
  • Complimentary wine tasting for guests 21+
  • An opportunity to win up to $75,000 in prizes including gift cards to Michael Kors, Dodgers Clubhouse, Kate Spade, Fabletics, Levi’s, Armani, Calvin Klein and many more!


Please Note: We are eligible for additional funding if we reach our goal of over 100 attendee check-ins at the event! Please encourage your friends and family to purchase tickets and join you for this fun shopping day. For more information, please visit www.citadeloutlets.com.


Thank you for supporting AEF and we look forward to seeing you at Citadel Outlets!


Pumpkin Run 2026


🎃 Get Ready... The 13th Annual Alhambra Pumpkin Run is Almost Here! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️


Whether you're ready to tackle the 10K, cruise through the 5K, join the 1K Fun Run, or cheer on your little one in the Kiddie Run, this is the community event you won't want to miss!


Enjoy a festive morning filled with:

🎶 Live music and entertainment

🎃 Family-friendly activities

🏅 Fun for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities

🤝 An incredible community atmosphere


Gather your friends, family, neighbors, and teammates and be part of one of Alhambra's favorite fall traditions. Whether you're racing for a personal best or simply soaking up the excitement, there's something for everyone!


Even better, every registration helps support the Alhambra Educational Foundation, with proceeds benefiting programs that enrich educational opportunities for students throughout the Alhambra Unified School District.


Registration is NOW open — don't wait! Sign up early, lace up your running shoes, and get ready to celebrate health, community, and fall fun at the 13th Annual Alhambra Pumpkin Run! 🍂🎃

As our summer school came to a close, it is clear that our success was a true team effort! We are incredibly grateful for our enthusiastic students, supportive families, inspiring teachers, and dedicated volunteers and staff who made this summer unforgettable. We sincerely hope you enjoyed your time with us, and we can't wait to welcome you back next year for another exciting adventure!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The Alhambra Educational Foundation is the official fundraising partner of the 

Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD), and has given more than $5.15 million to benefit our schools and students since 1993. We are the only non-profit that raises funds to benefit all AUSD schools and every student.  

AEF is a nonprofit that relies on your tax-deductible donations to help support all AUSD schools and students. 


Contact AEF

To contact us with any questions about our programs or to make a donation:

AEF Office: (626) 943-3080

General email:  support@aef4kids.com


Address: 1603 Chestnut Street, Alhambra, CA 91803

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Office is Closed on Fridays and all Holidays

626.943.3080

www.aef4kids.com

1603 Chestnut St.
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 943-3080

VOTED BEST IN 2025 AND FAVORITE IN 2026

NON-PROFIT IN SAN GABRIEL VALLEY


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