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The Aurora East Educational Foundation (AEEF) was established in 1991 to enhance and enrich educational experience at Aurora East School District 131 schools. Prior to the IRS recognizing public school districts as non-profits, many districts created “503 (c) (3) Foundations” as a methodology for accepting tax deductible donations. So, in 1991 when the City of Aurora welcomed the Hollywood Casino, the City of Aurora apportioned $275,000 of Developer Donations to the Aurora East Educational Foundation. Mayor Tom Weisner, Board Chairman Larry Malaker and Treasurer Mark Truemper were instrumental in establishing the AEEF.

The mission of the foundation has not changed from 1991 when the articles of incorporation identified the mission of the foundation is to “to provide charitable and benevolent grants, loans and aid to Aurora East Public School District 131 in order to enhance the educational opportunities of all students in District 131 schools.” To that end, the AEEF annual provides Mini Grants to educators where there are no budget dollars available and scholarships to deserving East Aurora High School graduates.

To provide for those services, the AEEF promotes four events; (1) a golf outing that for the last 24 July’s has provided funds for the Mini Grants program. In addition, the AEEF along with the A+ Foundation of West Aurora School District 129 host the annual Tom-A-Hawk turkey trot; (2) the AEEF hosts a Giving Tuesday event, which connects donors and scholarship students; and (3) Employee withholdings and the Tomcat Affinity Card program that combined help to provide almost 50 scholarships to East Aurora High School Graduates.

And finally, the AEEF has 12 – 13 volunteer board members and two District 131 ex-officio members, the Superintendent, and the Assistant to the Superintendent. In that the Foundation was created with funds designated to enhance and enrich the educational services provided by District 131, the ex officio role is very important in aligning goals of the Foundation with those of the district.

For additional information, please contact Mark Michelini at information@aeef131.net.

Aurora East Educational Foundation

310 Seminary Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505

Email: information@aeef131.net

Executive Board Members

Mark Michelini, Chairperson
Melissa Mercado, Vice Chairperson
Angie Diaz, Treasurer
Dianne Thomas, Secretary

Directors

Jennifer Fearday
Ken Fuchs
Darnell Gibson
Pete Gonzales
Julia Inostroza-Jackson
Kate Mesiacos
Saul Olivas

Ex-Officio Member

Lisa Morales
Dr. Robert Halverson

Active Advisors

Merry Carey
Ken Darby
Bill Deligiannis
Joise Gehler
Michael McCue
Tom Madden
Ray Torres
Dick Schinel