'Driving' Educational Excellence: Leadership Circle Fall Reception Brings Top Donors and Educational Leaders Together
Updated: 5 days ago
On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, community leaders, district administrators, educators, and generous supporters gathered for an extraordinary evening at The Candy Store for the annual Burlingame Community for Education Foundation (BCE) Leadership Circle Fall Reception. Hosted within classic automotive history in a landmark 1928 building in the heart of Burlingame, guests enjoyed an intimate look inside a private car collectors’ museum and clubhouse that opened its doors exclusively to BCE’s top supporters. Surrounded by beautifully restored automobiles, attendees enjoyed cocktails and delicious bites while connecting with fellow community leaders, Burlingame School District Board members, administrators, and educators. Robert Fisher, President of The Candy Store, welcomed attendees with a toast applauding their support of the children. “We are all in! It’s an honor to support the Burlingame community and BCE!”
“Thanks to BCE’s volunteers and The Candy Store’s wonderful team for helping curate such a lovely reception celebrating 45 years of impact in this very special venue,” says Meredith Dunn, BCE Executive Director. “Our guests loved learning about this incredible collection and its rich heritage, brought to life by the incredibly knowledgeable docents. It was a wonderful opportunity to discover a true hidden gem in Burlingame. Appreciation also goes to our sponsors Sapore Italiano Ristorante for food and serving, The Caccia Group for the wine, and The Candy Queen for the sweet gift bags.”
Celebrating Leadership & Impact
The reception served as a recognition of BCE’s most generous donors. These families, community members, and businesses not only provide extraordinary support for Burlingame schools, but also inspire others to give generously and support BCE year after year. 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.
Since the introduction of the Leadership Circle a few years ago, we have seen more families step up and lead with generosity, supporting BCE with gifts of $10,000 or more annually. Giving at this level, as well as our Scholars Circle level of $5,000, shows outsized support for our schools and ensures that all students continue to have access to an exceptional public education. Support at the Leadership Circle Level has been a powerful tool in helping grow our grant each year, maintaining funding as costs rise.
BCE Co-Presidents Pooja Shah and Alejandra Sereleas expressed deep gratitude for the incredible generosity of the Leadership Circle that made this year’s historic $3.21 million grant possible. Their extraordinary gifts set the tone for generosity across the entire district, delivering a meaningful investment directly into Burlingame’s students, teachers, and public schools. “Even after all our years in this community, evenings like this remind us how lucky we are to have so many thoughtful people working together to create the best possible educational experience for our Burlingame students.” shared Shah and Sereleas.
A Firsthand Look at the Future of Our Schools
A highlight of the evening was a panel discussion facilitated by BCE Co-Hoover Site Director Mike Clay, featuring key educational leaders from across the district:
Katie Jay, Burlingame School District Trustee
Dr. Marla Silversmith, Burlingame School District Superintendent
Matt Pavao, Lincoln Elementary School Principal
Dr. Elizabeth Kendall, District Instructional Coach
This distinguished panel provided a firsthand perspective on how our district leaders are driving educational excellence across our Burlingame schools in the academic year ahead. The leaders engaged in an insightful Q&A covering a wide range of topics from the top school board priorities (including Measure R for funding to maintain our facilities and the educational experience we count on), district enrollment and sustainability, and this year’s increased resources through behavioral specialists, counselors, and team of instructional coaches who support and empower teachers in the instruction of science and math for a “really amazing way to impact the entire district - thanks to BCE.” praised Dr. Elizabeth Kendall. Furthermore, the district shared how they are focused on preparing our students through the purposeful use of technology while fostering human connection for collaborative, compassionate, creative, and curious problem solvers in a rapidly evolving future.
Inspired for the Journey Ahead
From exploring the unique historic setting of The Candy Store to engaging in visionary conversations with district leadership, attendees left feeling more informed, connected, and inspired by our educational leaders’ dedication. BCE donors Laxmi and Trey Rees valued attending this private event to connect with the BCE community:
“We both attended public schools and have always valued the role strong public schools play in building a community. Originally from the East Coast and transplants to Burlingame, that sense of community has been especially meaningful to us — both through our kids’ schools, and through the friendships and connections we’ve built over the past decade. BCE is a wonderful example of how a community can come together to invest in its kids, and we’re proud to support that mission.” — BCE donors Laxmi and Trey Rees
Events like the Leadership Circle Fall Reception showcase the powerful impact of community philanthropy. Thanks to the visionary support of our Leadership Circle donors, local business sponsors, and community partners, Burlingame public schools continue to thrive and set a high standard for educational excellence.
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.
