I happen to come across Alphabet Soup while "thrifting" in Petaluma. The manager was asking customers if they had any interest in volunteering. I loved the store and thought it might be something fun to do for the summer ...that was 11 years ago! Being a part of the Alphabet Soup store team while actively supporting the Petaluma Education Foundation, is something I'm very proud to do and to be associated with. Volunteering in the Home Store has given me the opportunity to meet wonderful people that have turned into life long friends, getting to know great people that shop in the store, and work with a great team of other volunteers and employees that make this store very unique. The uniqueness of Alphabet Soup is that the merchandise is cleaned and displayed beautifully. The prices are exceptionally good and there are many treasures waiting for a new owner. This is a "must" stop while in Petaluma!
PEF is overwhelmingly supported by our community. With cutbacks in education severely impacting the teachers and students, PEF has been instrumental in providing funds for a myriad of programs. What is incredible is how each year, the community steps up to support us even more than the year before. They have definitely seen the results in their kids' schools. PEF is a vital component of the educational experience in Petaluma and as a board member I am thrilled to be a small part of it.
The Petaluma Educational Foundation is a phenomenal organization that raises a significant amount of money for all schools in the Petaluma area. From several hundred dollars for needed supplies that have been cut at the classroom level, to $15,000 for a new technology-based innovative program, to scores of college scholarships for high school seniors, PEF does it all. It is also impressive to see that the PEF Board of Directors is a veritable who's-who in Petaluma - these people really care for their schools and prove it on a regular basis!