On September 30th under sunny skies and with much generosity the 4th Annual MCE Foundation Golf Tournament began with a 1pm Shot Gun start at Masonboro Country Club in Wilmington NC.  Sixteen teams participated and many sponsors and donators helped us raise Dollars 4 Small Scholars. 

The winning prize results and the list of our many supporters are on the 2011 Golf page.   Visit it again soon to see pictures of the day’s fun courtesy of Dana Jackson Photography.

Swing for our Cause…on September 30th

Visit the 2011 Golf Tournament page for details on the 4th Annual Meet the Challenge tournament.   We are calling for golfers to take up the challenge at the Masonboro Country Club with eighteen holes, a seven acre practice range, a short-game area and a practice putting green brought to life by JMP Golf Design Group, recognized as one of the most creative golf design firms in the world, Shapemasters, Inc., a national leading course builder, and Barefoot and Associates, a short-game construction specialist.

The creators of Masonboro Country Club spared no expense in creating this world class golf course. From the Mini-Verde Bermuda greens, to the 80 acres of turf newly sodded with 419 Bermuda grass, to the bunkers filled with the same sugar white sand found at Augusta National, every inch of the course is immaculately manicured. The berms, grassy shallows and unique natural elevation changes create drama and beauty throughout the 7000 yard course. The five sets of tees on each hole allow players of every proficiency level to enjoy the challenge and playability of Masonboro Country Club.

Early registration through September 15th = $85

June 24th the we held our first annual Board of Directors Retreat and meeting.  It allowed our board to socialize and get to know each other better and welcome in new board members, Lynn Donofrio, Peter Higgins and Jennifer Baca.  Nominations of officers for 2011-2012 were held and the following were elected:

• President – Jennifer Baca
• Vice President – Lynn Donofrio
• Secretary – Susan Donner
• Treasurer – Ed Kaczynski

Non- profit boards have a tremendous responsibility to lead and strategize the organization’s future.  We recognize this, and thank every other member for their time and commitment:  Susan Cajigas, Thomas Woodman, Lisa Hornick, Pat Holleman, Ben Deaver, Dan Kaczynski, Cameron Roye-Moran. 

We look forward to your leadership in the coming year.

Joan Loch – Development Director

I wanted to share our “Spring Appeal” letter with you. It has been sent in “snail mail” to our patrons who understand the importance of investing in education of our Nation’s children early.  If you are a new visitor on our website, I hope it will help you make the decision to support our mission today…for the future  Thank you,   Joan Loch

Ever since seven month old Megan passed away in 2007 unexpectedly from SIDS grandfather, Ed, has had a vision.  The vision was to establish the Megan Cajigas Education Foundation. The purpose was to provide the early Pre-K opportunity to children whose families could not afford the tuition and to provide the opportunity to have a high-quality start enhancing their educational future and life into adulthood.

Last year Noah, Bradley, Brookelynn, Emma, Abigail and others were able to attend a quality pre-school in their area and begin their journey of life-long learning because of scholarship money we were able to provide.  As Director of the Megan Cajigas Education Foundation I know we cannot stop at 10, 20 or even 30 children’s scholarships each year.  Ongoing legislative budget cuts to early education programs are affecting education throughout our country.

Ed’s promise to find a purpose to honor Megan’s short life is simple to state in words, but challenging in keeping the commitment healthy.  I need your help.  You can fund a child’s scholarship for one month, or one year with adonation of $50 – $500.  You may have a grandchild, child, niece or nephew that has attended a pre-school and recognize the value it provides in their life.   Our staff closely monitors results from national studies on the positive long-lasting benefits of early childhood education. 

•   Through high-quality Pre-K children become familiar with books, new words and ways to use language, numbers, and problem-solving strategies.
•   They have higher earnings as adults and are less likely to become dependent on welfare or involved in crime.
• ü  Pre-K increases math and reading scores, along with positive social and behavioral development.

Your Spring Appeal donation will directly fund growing our foundation, enabling us to reach more children.  Thank you sincerely for your support.