BCE Goes Back to the 80s to Kick Off the School Year
Updated: 5 days ago
The annual Back To School Celebration brought the community together to reconnect, celebrate BCE’s impact, and mark 45 years of support for Burlingame public schools
Neon lights, throwback tracks, and retro fashion from streetwear to spandex filled the room on Friday, August 28, 2026, as the Burlingame Community for Education Foundation (BCE) hosted its second annual Back to School Celebration at All Natural Stone. Parents, educators, school leaders, donors, and local business partners came together to kick off the school year and celebrated the epic $3.21 million grant our community made possible.
Neon Lights and 80s Style Set the Stage
This year’s celebration carried extra special significance as guests stepped back into the 1980s to honor BCE’s 45th anniversary. Founded in 1981, BCE has served as a cornerstone of local public education for four and a half decades. Guests embraced the theme by sipping signature "Purple Rain" cocktails and . DJ VAXiNATE kept the rhythm of the night moving all night long, while Small Change Arcade completed the old school charm with classic games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Tetris, and Frogger. The electric atmosphere brought nostalgia and joy to the gathering, seamlessly blending celebratory fun with a shared commitment to local education — because that's what friends are for.
“When we look back at where BCE started in 1981 and see where we are today, it is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Burlingame community,” shared BCE Co-President Pooja Shah. “For 45 years, our parents, educators, and local business leaders have stepped up to ensure our public schools thrive. Raising a glass tonight isn't just about celebrating our past — it’s about empowering the future of every child in our district.” BCE Co-President Alejandra Sereleas reminded us on ways to keep the spirit alive throughout the year:
Take On Me: Find one way to contribute and support BCE, but we won’t be upset if you find more than one way to support us.
Everybody Have Fun Tonight: We’re here to celebrate 45 years of impact, and we’re also here to celebrate a record $3.21M million grant for the BSD schools!
Don’t You (Forget About Me): Keep BCE in mind and, more importantly, what you can do for our community and our kids.
Heartfelt Thanks to Our Generous Hosts and Sponsors
An evening of this scale is made possible through the deep commitment of local partners who believe in the power of public education. A decade of gratitude goes to our main event host, All Natural Stone, whose hospitality and ongoing dedication provided the perfect setting for our community to come together and celebrate. Thanks to founder Larry Perez and the All Natural Stone team for opening your doors and hearts to our community. Special thanks also goes to our bar sponsor 314 Design Solutions.
We are also thankful for our Raffle Sponsors generous contributions, adding extra excitement to the evening: All Natural Stone, Sports Basement, Mykonos Mezze, Capri Lasagneria, Embassy Suites Burlingame. McKinley kindergarten parents Mev and Sameer Karim, winners of the Mykonos Mezze raffle certificate, shared their gratitude for the Burlingame School District community.
"Our first year at McKinley felt overwhelming at times, but BCE gave us valuable opportunities to connect with District leaders and parents across BSD. Those conversations offered meaningful perspective and insight, helping us feel informed, supported, and connected."
A Celebration Made Possible by Our Community
The spirit of unity remained clear: Burlingame's commitment to its students shows that we’ll be together forever. Tremendous appreciation goes to BCE Co-VP Events Vidya Nathu and Odessa Villanueva, BCE events manager Brigitte Dean, countless volunteers, and Carson Condon from All Natural Stone for planning an inspiring kick off with a powerful reminder that when this community comes together, incredible things happen for our schools. Here’s to 45 years of impact — and to another bright school year ahead!
🎵 Want to keep the ’80s going? ▶️ Press play on our Spotify playlist and relive the soundtrack from the event.
From Celebration to Action: Get Involved in the BCE Fall Drive
The celebration may be over, but the work continues. Help carry that pure energy into the school year by making your annual contribution to the BCE Fall Drive by November 1 to receive your complimentary 45th Anniversary lawn sign and show your support for Burlingame students.
Recommended contribution: $2,200 per student
Scholars Circle: $5,000+
Gifts of any amount are meaningful and help support the educators and programs that enrich the experience of students across all BSD schools. Donate today at bcefoundation.org/donate
Lawn signs are available while supplies last.
