Education foundation planning bocce tournament in Clayton

By The Pioneer 3 years ago
Education foundation planning bocce tournament in Clayton
Clayton business owner Pat Pannell, second to left in back row, with MDUSD Education Foundation board members Rachel Del Carlo-Levy, Mary Gray, Bridget Billeter and Ernie DeTrinidad. In front are district students who benefit from the foundation’s fundraising, from left, Evelina Duran, Ellie Ginilo, Luca Carone, Angelo Carone, Gianna Martinez, Landon Ginilo and Tino Carone.

CLAYTON, CA (Mar. 15, 2022) — To better serve students, MDUSD Education Foundation (MDEDF) will host a bocce tournament in Clayton in May.

Founded in 2017 by a group of parents, educators, and community members, the foundation provides Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) enrichment opportunities to more than 28,000 students.

“With the community’s help, we can fund programs to inspire each student to become a scientist, musician, physicist, artist – and much more,” notes MDEDF president Mary P. Gray.

The foundation raises funds by partnering with local businesses, real estate agents and organizations to bring relevant learning opportunities to classrooms. It is also currently raising money through the annual giving campaign, Give Ten, which asks for a $10 donation or 10 minutes of time liking and sharing the foundation on social media.

Registration is now open for the May 7 tournament at the Ipsen Family Bocce Park in Clayton. The team entry fee is $600 for 4-10 players.

The 16 teams will have the opportunity to win cash and door prizes up to $1,000, enjoy “closest to the ball” side games, and bid on raffle and auction baskets. Mimosa breakfast, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Clayton Mayor Peter Cloven will throw out the first ball.

Chick Boss, a new business in Clayton, offered to help sponsor the tournament. Business founder Pat Pannell is committed to paying it forward here at home and in Guatemala. Chick Boss jewelry has been providing steady work with dignified compensation for her team of artisans since 2010.

The Chick Boss gallery and gift store features award-winning contemporary jewelry as well as other gifts and cards. Pannell donates 5 percent of store sales to MDEDF. Visit www.chickboss.com or stop in at 1030 Diablo St.

“I believe that business should look for win/win/win scenarios – win for the business, win for our artisans and win for the community,” Pannell says.

The following companies and organizations have also recently donated and become tournament sponsors: Sequoia Living, Viramonte/Walnut Creek, Total Wine & More, Bill’s Ace Hardware Concord/Martinez, Concord/Clayton/Pleasant Hill Pioneer, CBCA, Six Sigma Ranch Winery, and Las Montañas Supermarket.

To sponsor, donate or register for the bocce tournament, contact Pat Middendorf at middendorfpat@gmail.com or Aaron Levy at For more information about MDEDF or to donate today, go to www.mdedf.org or look for the group on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.

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