SANTA MONICA/MALIBU—The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), an organization whose mission is to “to engage the community to invest in a vibrant educational experience for all students in the Santa Monica and Malibu public schools,” has announced the second generous donation it has received in as many months.

The organization said in a statement that the nearly half a million dollar bequest, donated by long-time Santa Monica community member Judi Lynne, will assist the district’s Vision For Student Success (VSS)campaign, which provides for students a “comprehensive set of programs designed to improve student achievement and success.”

An earlier Canyon News article noted that SMMEF was established in 1982 by a group of parents, community leaders, and local business owners, in response to “devastating” federal and state education budget cuts.

In response, SMMEF’s VSS campaign ensures that Santa Monica and Malibu students receive comprehensive visual and performing arts programs, additional class periods chosen by each middle and high school, among other academic enrichment programs. In addition, the VSS program provides discretionary funds to the schools in order to create and retain academic enrichment programs unique to its school community.

Lynne’s donation is one of the largest in SMMEF’s 33-year history, according to the organization’s press release.

In December 2014, SMMEF received a $100,000 donation from Malibu-based company Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation.

“We are so grateful to receive this large bequest,” said Linda Greenberg, SMMEF Executive Director. “Like all donations to SMMEF, this gift will help ensure that the amazing SMMEF-funded staff and programs in our schools, including teacher training, arts education, additional middle and high school classes, and instructional assistants, continue during the next school year.”

SMMEF has already raised $1,820,463 out of its total annual goal $4 million to fund its VSS program for the upcoming school year. The fundraising deadline is June 30, 2015, according to the statement.

“We are pleased to be almost halfway to our fundraising goal for the year,” SMMEF Associate Director Rachel Faulkner told Canyon News. “Each donation toward our goal, no matter the size, brings us closer to fully funding these important programs for students.”

“Gifts like this one, which benefit students and schools district-wide, have to be our focus if we are to achieve equity in our district and give all students opportunities to succeed,” said Greenberg. “We hope this gift will inspire parents, community members and corporate partners to join us in funding these vital programs for every student.”

To learn more about SMMEF and SMMUSD’s Vision for Student Success, visit www.smmef.org, follow SMMEF on Twitter: @smmef or like them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/smmef.