Piedmont, CA, On November 5, community members gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Piedmont Education Foundation (PEF), honoring five decades of partnership, philanthropy and progress in support of Piedmont’s public schools.
Smegal and original PEF board member Helen Breck to a celebration on November 5
Hosted by PEF’s 50th Board and co-chairs Rich Thompson and Cameron Wolfe Jr., the event brought together generations of supporters to reflect on PEF’s legacy and the many individuals who have shaped it. Guests included current and former Board members, City and School District officials, past employees and Lifetime Donors—all united by a shared commitment to educational excellence.
PEF Board Member Rich Thompson served as master of ceremonies, guiding the evening’s reflections and recognitions. Wolfe, one of PEF’s early Board presidents, shared stories from the organization’s founding and honored early leaders such as Helen Breck, PEF’s second president and longtime member until 1988, and Steffi Moores, the third president who launched PEF’s first major fundraising campaign in 1981.
“This room is full of heroes who have carried on the work of the early volunteers,” said Wolfe. “PEF has been vital to the creation of a top-flight school district that has changed the character of the city of Piedmont.”
Bridget Schreiber, current Chair of the PEF Board, expressed gratitude to the many individuals who have sustained PEF’s mission over the years. She recognized the lasting impact of volunteer leadership and announced Eileen Ruby as PEF’s newest Honorary Board Member. Ruby served on the Board from 1997–2003 and again from 2013–2023, and helped launch the PEF Endowment Fund in 1989, which today contributes roughly 10% of PEF’s annual grant to the Piedmont Unified School District.
The celebration concluded with a special proclamation from Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen declaring Dec. 10, 2025, as Piedmont Education Foundation Day, in recognition of PEF’s enduring contributions to the community.
“The 50th anniversary celebration was absolutely lovely and just the right amount of everything,” said former PEF Board Chair Dana Lung. “It was a wonderful combination of history and progress, nostalgia and vision, and I left with an even greater appreciation for the past work and excitement for what’s to come.”
As PEF looks ahead to its next 50 years, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to provide sustained financial support for Piedmont schools through fundraising and community engagement.
To learn more or to support PEF’s continued work, visit PiedmontEdFoundation.org/donate.
