City and Schools Unite to Celebrate BCE Donor Impact
- bcemarketing
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
At the second annual Leadership Circle gathering, the Mayor, Superintendent, and BCE leaders highlight how community support powers schools and Burlingame.
On the evening of September 25, community leaders, donors, and educators gathered at Studio Shop Gallery for a special evening hosted by the Burlingame Community for Education Foundation (BCE). Against a backdrop of local art, BCE President Jen Faber and Executive Director Meredith Dunn welcomed guests to celebrate the generosity that made this year’s historic $3.035 million grant possible.
The reception served as a recognition of BCE’s Scholars Circle and Leadership Circle, which includes the foundation’s most generous donors, contributing $10,000 or more each year. These families and businesses not only provide extraordinary support for Burlingame schools, but also inspire others to give. Leadership Circle members are invited to exclusive gatherings twice a year that bring together district leadership, community partners, and BCE supporters to share ideas, strengthen connections, and highlight the powerful role philanthropy plays in creating excellent public schools for all Burlingame students.
The evening featured an interactive conversation with Burlingame Mayor Peter Stevenson and Burlingame School District Superintendent Dr. Marla Silversmith, who spoke about the unique partnership between city government and the school district. In a question and answer session moderated by BCE President Elect Pooja Shah and BCE Treasurer Nael Fakhry, both emphasized how strong public schools not only enrich the lives of students, but also make Burlingame a desirable place to raise a family and boost local businesses.
Mayor Stevenson noted that schools are the heart of the city, attracting families and fueling Burlingame’s unique vibrancy. “Prop 13 created structural challenges for how California’s public schools are funded, and we continue to face headwinds from that today,” he explained. “Luckily Burlingame is a community that cares about education. You all and what BCE accomplishes each year are a testament to that. What we do for our kids is at the heart of what makes this such a great community. You can't say that about every community across the state or across this nation, but you can certainly say that about Burlingame!”
Dr. Silversmith highlighted the daily impact of BCE’s grant, supporting programs in music, world languages, and PE, and underscored that community support allows Burlingame students to thrive even in one of the lowest-funded districts on the Peninsula. “Our kids are getting access to music starting in TK, with real instruction from dedicated teachers. They’re learning rhythm, melody, and even exploring instruments from the very beginning. By the time they reach fourth grade, they can actually play, and it’s because BCE makes sure we have music specialists in every school.” She went on to emphasize the academic impact. “It’s the same with world languages, social-emotional learning, and even early reading support. California just started requiring dyslexia screening, but in Burlingame we’ve been doing it for years, thanks to BCE.”
“From RTI specialists to Spanish classes, so much of what makes our schools special is made possible by BCE. The journey our students experience here is extraordinary, and in Burlingame it’s expected. It’s built into their regular school day because of this community’s generosity.” —Dr. Marla Silversmith
Guests also heard about joint efforts by the city and school district to tackle traffic and pedestrian safety. These are critical investments that protect students and strengthen the fabric of the community.
Through events like the reception, BCE is working to build a sense of connection within its donor base. “I'm so proud of our community for stepping up and participating in BCE by giving monthly, one-time, at the Ask of $2,000 a child, and at the $4,000 Scholars Circle level. Every dollar matters!” said Faber. She went on to explain, “We introduced Leadership Circle Giving of $10,000 or more to emphasize that folks can and should give more if they are able. All children in Burlingame and all people in Burlingame benefit from our great public schools. The easiest and most significant impact you can have locally is by donating as generously as possible to BCE.”
As the evening closed, donors were thanked for being the essential link in this partnership. Their generosity ensures that Burlingame’s schools remain strong, its families supported, and its future bright. BCE Executive Director Meredith Dunn expressed her gratitude for the great turn out and the partnership of Studio Shop. "Tonight's event really highlighted what a special place Burlingame is and how lucky we are to be part of this community. Not only did we have Mayor Stevenson and Superintendent Silversmith sharing about our amazing city and public schools but the Studio Shop, as they are celebrating their 110th anniversary, opened their doors to host us all. I am so appreciative of Janet and Stephanie's generosity to open up their beautiful gallery to our BCE community."
Become a Leadership Circle Donor Today
The BCE Leadership Circle celebrates our most generous donors who demonstrate unparalleled commitment to the advancement of public education through their substantial contributions of $10,000 or more annually. Leadership Circle donors enjoy all the benefits of a Scholar’s Circle donor while also gaining access to exclusive Leadership circle events twice a year. These events are created to connect our most generous donors, BSD school leadership as well as influential people in our community to foster communication, understanding and idea sharing as we strive to create excellent Burlingame public schools.
When you join BCE’s Leadership Circle you enjoy:
Access to special events, including private Leadership Circle receptions with school leaders, educators, and other top donors. These gatherings offer opportunities to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate on future initiatives.
Recognition in the Leadership Circle section of the BCE Annual Report
Invitation to attend all Scholars Circle events
Knowledge that you are leading the way in philanthropically supporting our schools and students.
