Golf tournament raises $20K for science school

A fundraiser hosted by the Burbank Educational Foundation raised tens of thousands of dollars to help pay for fifth-graders to attend an outdoor science school this coming school year.

The tradition of sending Burbank fifth-graders to the mountains or beach for a few nights — away from homes with their classmates — is revered among students and educators alike.

Students go on night hikes, learn about astronomy, sing songs around a campfire, learn from trained naturalists and spend their nights in cabins.

The experience that many students enjoy year after year inspired Burbank school board member Charlene Tabet to rally the Burbank Educational Foundation to host an inaugural golf tournament last spring to offset the cost to send fifth-graders to the outdoor school.

The tournament raised $20,000 to help cover the per-student cost, which ranges from $200 to $500, Tabet said. A report about the tournament is scheduled to be presented to school board officials on Thursday.

“We wanted a fundraiser that would encourage the community to get involved in our schools again,” Tabet said. “Our kids get so much from outdoor science school. I have three children in their 20s, and they still talk about the fun they had and the learning that took place at outdoor science school.”

She said local groups such as booster clubs and PTAs are often busy “working their tails off” to support students, so the foundation sought to pitch in with extra help.

“We need some additional community support to make sure we’re providing the education kids deserve,” she said. “We need to make sure our kids have a good foundation to become good citizens so they leave Burbank Unified with the best education that we can possibly give them.”