CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-241-6766 March 19, 2020
LOS ANGELES – Today, Superintendent Austin Beutner announced the creation of a fund-raising effort to help students most in need who attend schools in Los Angeles Unified. Los Angeles Unified serves almost 700,000 students, 80% of whom are from families who live in poverty. In addition to instruction, schools provide many services to support children including nutrition, counseling and health services and enrichment activities before and after school.
The Anthony and Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation, the Ballmer Group and Richard Lovett, president of Creative Artists Agency, have each contributed $250,000 to start the effort. They are joined by a commitment from Matthew McConaughey and by the support of Creative Artists Agency, who have been providing pro bono services to Superintendent Beutner and Los Angeles Unified.
LA Students Most in Need will support students who no longer have the benefit of being in school every day. Funds will be used to provide meals and urgently needed supplies for students and family members. Funds will also be used to address the digital divide, providing devices and digital libraries and books to enable students to continue learning during the crisis caused by COVID-19.
“Schools are the center of the communities we serve, and provide an important part of the social safety net for many families and their children,” Superintendent Beutner said. “On an ordinary day, we serve more than 1 million meals to children. These are not ordinary days and we must continue to support those most in need.”
"This moment reminds us of how much more our schools do for our communities beyond teaching our children,” Tony Pritzker said. “In schools throughout Los Angeles Unified, people work tirelessly to give each student the tools to succeed, the security of receiving a warm meal, and safety and shelter for kids who may not have it anywhere else. During the coming weeks and months, it's never been more important for all of us to come together to support our schools to ensure that every child can continue to achieve their full potential."
“I hope anyone who can donate any amount, large or small, will pitch in to help - this is about feeding children in our city,” said Richard Lovett, President, CAA.
“Since LA’s schools are closed, many Los Angeles students and families are going without the resources they depend on to get through the day. That’s why I’m donating to LA Students Most in Need. The money pays for meals, snacks, supplies, access to technology…everything these kids need to learn and to thrive. Join us in helping out our students,” said Matthew McConaughey, Founder of just keep livin foundation, currently providing after-school programs in Los Angeles Unified.
Tax-deductible contributions can be made to the California Community Foundation for
LA Students Most in Need at https://www.calfund.org/
LA Students Most in Need is a component fund of the California Community Foundation.