Janice Spiegel, Debbie Bostian, and Community Foundation Board Chairman Kate Costlow.

New Community Foundation Fund Helps PTAs Promote Family and Community Involvement

November 19, 2008: Frederick County resident Debbie Bostian’s commitment and years of service to The PTA and to helping Frederick County families become more involved in ensuring a quality education for each child is legendary. As past president of both The Maryland State PTA and The PTA Council of Frederick County, Debbie is well respected for her years of service and dedication to education. Her commitment continues as a member of the Family Involvement Steering Committee at the Frederick County Public Schools and in conducting classes for educators so that they may teach parents to work with families to become more involved in their children’s education.

To honor her, The PTA Council of Frederick County has established The Debbie Bostian Family and Community Involvement Grant Fund at The Community Foundation of Frederick County. The Fund will provide financial support to promote family and community involvement by awarding grants to local PTA units in Frederick County.

“The mission of the PTA includes reaching out to involve families and getting them engaged in the education process,” says Janice Spiegel, President of The PTA Council of Frederick County. “The Debbie Bostian Family and Community Involvement Grant Fund will help local PTA units to better understand the idea of family engagement and will help to provide them with the opportunity to start outreach programs that will reach 100 percent of families.”

The Debbie Bostian Family and Community Involvement Grant Fund will award two $500 grants to local PTA units this year.

The PTA Council of Frederick County is one of the many organizations that seek the guidance and expertise of the Community Foundation to honor members by creating funds that benefit a variety of causes, in keeping with the mission of the organization. Because of the trust donors have placed in the Community Foundation, over $19 million has been returned to the Frederick County community since 1986.

Those interested in supporting education by promoting family and community involvement through local PTAs may make a secure, online donation to The Debbie Bostian Family and Community Involvement Grant Fund.  To do so, click here. Donations by check, with the Fund’s name inserted in the memo line, may be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County and mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. All donations are tax-exempt to the fullest extent of the law. Additional information about the Community Foundation is available by calling 301.695.7660.