Year in Review
Foundation Increases Student Support
A cornerstone of Santa Ana College’s mission to
ensure that no student is denied educational opportunity
due to financial constraints, the SAC Foundation has
responded to the diverse needs of the student body for
more than 40 years. In spite of the severe challenges
California’s budget crisis has imposed, 2008-2009
continued this record of service. Established in 1968,
the Foundation received more than $546,000 in revenue
and donations during the past fiscal year.
Support came from private donors, alumni, faculty,
staff and community foundations, including the Rancho
Santiago Community College District Foundation. Internal
support was significant, with 156 staff and faculty
dedicating $33,000 in payroll deductions. “We are very
grateful that our campus personnel have demonstrated in
this tangible manner that they see and value the work of
the SAC Foundation,” says Executive Director Christina
Romero.
In partnership with institutions such as Southern
California Edison (SCE), the Kellogg Foundation, the
Orange County Community Foundation, Wells Fargo, Kiwanis
Club of Santa Ana, and the federal government, the
Foundation has grown its private grants to support SAC
programs. As a result of all of these efforts,
distributions for students and programs hit an all-time
high, with more than $580,000 allocated in scholarship
dollars, program funding, and departmental and faculty
support.
During the last few years, a small percentage of
dollars have also funded resource and business
development activities to identify new funding
opportunities, expand the Foundation’s service offerings
and increase overall awareness of Santa Ana College.
Additionally, the Foundation continues to support other
community organizations and their efforts to enhance the
city of Santa Ana, as well as central Orange County.
Fund-Raising Events
The Foundation hosted several fund-raising events in
2008-2009, netting more that $110,000 that will go back
to students, programs and the work of the Foundation.
Results by event include:
- Sixth Annual Pageant of the Trees-$53,000
- 11th Annual Chancellor’s Ball-$38,000
- The Ed Arnold Golf Classic-$42,000
- President’s Circle-$18,000
Alumni Relations
A revamped Alumni Association website was launched,
featuring an alumni portal that allows alums to connect
with each other and the Foundation to obtain information
from alumni. Through this website, the Foundation has
obtained updated contact data from more than 4,500
valued alums. A new quarterly e-newsletter also updates
alumni and friends of the college about SAC and
Foundation activities. As part of its alumni outreach,
the SAC Alumni Relations program hosted its inaugural
Alumni Speaker Series, aided by corporate underwriting
that also provides lunch. This event allows selected
alumni to speak directly to student groups about their
educational journey and current career choices. The
results, according to student body President Alex Flores
have been life-changing, and the series will continue in
the 2009-2010 academic year.
New Collaborations
What better place to look for new partners than on
your own doorstep? In 2009 the Foundation launched a new
endeavor in collaboration with the Associated Student
Government. An idea presented by a small group of
students to raise money to rescue summer school classes
lost in budget cuts, the Summer School Rescue Fund was
able to save one summer 2009 class. With much
participation from internal faculty/staff, students, the
Foundation Board of Directors and inspired community
members, the needed $4,500 was raised. The Foundation is
very proud of this collaborative achievement.
In Summary
In spite of the very difficult economic climate, the
SAC Foundation increased its assets and support of
students at a time when they need it most. Careful
stewardship, effective fundraising and generous
individual donations have positioned the SAC Foundation
for continued success in favorably impacted the lives of
deserving students. Your support—large or small—would be
highly valued and greatly appreciated. Call Christina
Romero at 714-564-6091 to explore your options for
joining this important work.
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