$4.8 milion donated to SMMEF by late Peggy Bergmann

The Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation received the largest donation in its entire history.Peggy Bergmann (deceased on Dec. 10, 2011) donated $4.8 million to the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation (SMMEF), $2.4 million of which has been allocated exclusively to the arts program. According to a SMMEF press release, the timing is ideal because the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) might have had to lay off many arts teachers in the coming year due to budget cuts.According to SMMEF Program and Events Director Rachel Faulkner, Bergmann left 30 percent of her estate to the SMMEF as a gift when she died. Faulkner said that Bergmann was not an alumnus and was not affiliated with any SMMUSD school, student or staff. According to Faulkner, Bergmann heard about the district through her attorneys, Bruce and Sonya Sultan.“Ms. Bergmann had learned of the district’s efforts to provide equity to all students through a fundraising model, and she wanted to jump start that effort with this bequest,” SMMEF said in a press release.According to SMMEF Executive Director Linda Gross, Bergmann taught for a while and her mother was a singer, which is likely what inspired Bergmann to donate the large sum of money to SMMEF.According to the press release, the other half of the donation that was not allocated for arts programs will be used to address SMMEF’s vital needs within the district.The money that was set aside for the arts program will be used for private lessons and instrument rental fees for all students in need, according to the press release.“I’m thrilled about it,” Samo Orchestra Director Joni Swenson said. “It’s such a boost to the schools in Santa Monica, and I was really happy to hear that they might be using some of those funds for students who might not have private lessons. That’s something we’ve been trying to do here.”According to Bruce and Sonya Sultan, Bergmann’s wish was that one day all the gifts given to SMMEF would help create a school district where all students are equal.According to Samo Band Director Kevin McKeown, the school will not be able to use the money from the donation right away.“I’ve received a lot of emails from excited parents, and one of the things that we have to recognize is that this is an endowment,” McKeown said. “It takes really good strategy, so that the money lasts a long time.”However, McKeown said the money will assist the SMMUSD music program in the long run.“It’ll really help students in need, and that’s really great,” McKeown said. “A lot of students in elementary and middle school just don’t feel [included] because they don’t have an instrument. So, this is something that can go towards that, and it can only make our program more diverse.”cdebeus@thesamohi.com