The Palo Alto Partners in Education’s donation campaign deficit will receive an unexpected boost from an anonymous group of families that have generously agreed to match any donations made between now and Feb. 12, according to PAPiE board member Mandy Lowell.

“Basically, a few very generous families came forward when they read about the donation shortage,” Lowell said. “They approached PAPiE and asked to create this challenge grant for up to $55,000.”

Although the families request anonymity, Lowell feels that many other families share their dedication to education.

The PAPiE currently faces a $600,000 donation shortage for its 2008-2009 campaign, which will end on Feb. 12. According to Lowell, since PAUSD schools have already appropriated the funds from the PAPiE Campaign into next year’s budget, any donation shortages will reduce school programs.

The College and Career Center will most likely be the first Paly program to face cuts if the donation shortage is not made up, but other programs may also be affected, according to PAPiE board member Diana Walsh. The PAPiE also pays for people to perform clerical tasks so teachers can spend more time preparing quality lessons and giving meaningful feedback on student work, according to Lowell. In elementary and middle schools, Spectra Art teachers, classroom aides, and science specialists may also face cuts, Lowell said.

Unlike many other match grants, which only match certain donations, this challenge grant will match any donation dollar for dollar, including those from prior donors, and it does not require a minimum amount, according to Lowell.

“Any donations made between now and Feb. 12 will be doubled,” Lowell said. “For example, if a family donated $250, the campaign would receive $500. If donations don’t come in, it’ll be like leaving money on the porch.”

Lowell is appreciative of the aid that these anonymous families are providing for the community.

“This is just an example of how highly this community values education,” Lowell said.