Pam English, president of the Willow Glen Middle and High School Foundation, remembers going to Willow Glen High School when it was considered one of the top schools in the district.

"We saw our school go downhill," English said, "but academically, it wasn't bad."

Elaine Farace also remembers growing up in Willow Glen, and is now back at Willow Glen High School as its principal.

During the past year she has watched what the 2-year-old Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation has done for the schools.

With federal and state funds so scarce, the schools are desperate to get money from other sources.

"The economy dries up so quickly, so we really need the grass-roots support we get from the foundation," Farace said.

According to the foundation's documentation, its mission is to "develop resources and fund programs that inspire, promote and support the academic achievements of all students."

The nonprofit organization is made up of about 32 parents, neighbors, administrators, principals from the middle and high schools and at least one teacher from each school, with the express goal of improving the schools' academic programs.

"We have to do what the San Jose Unified School District can't or won't do to help," said English, the foundation's current president.

Over the past two years, the foundation has worked hard to raise $68,000, said Beth Martinez, the foundation's public relations manager. The foundation has relied primarily on an annual telephone campaign and, most recently, a wine-tasting benefit at The Grapevine, 1389 Lincoln Ave. Martinez said that approximately $5,000 was raised at this year's event on Nov. 17.

"I'm very pro-charity," said Cara Finn, owner of The Grapevine.

Finn said that, because of the economy's downturn, some small businesses are reluctant to work with charities.

"The problem with small businesses," Finn said, "is we get tapped out quickly. Inviting a charity to hold a fundraiser in your store is a win-win situation."

The event raised needed money for the foundation and created a potential customer base for the store.

"Small businesses need to stop seeing charities as beggars," Finn said.

The foundation will be holding its annual phone-a-thon in February. Volunteers have just prepared 3,600 mailers to be sent to parents, alumni and neighbors, asking for financial help.

According to Peter Cocotas, the foundation's treasurer, the 2001 phone-a-thon helped complement prior years' donations. The campaign raised $33,500 in 2001. But in 2002 the telephone and mailing campaign brought in $18,000. Cocotas believes this was due to the downturn in the economy and the financial fallout from Sept. 11.

For the 2001­02 school year the foundation clarified its mission and is striving toward "every Willow Glen graduate becoming eligible to enter a four-year college or university." The foundation is focusing on four areas—college and career guidance, tutoring programs, student recruitment and "positive public outreach."

English said the student recruitment effort involved approaching fifth- and sixth-graders who are enrolled in "feeder" schools, which are neighborhood elementary schools that can send their students to Willow Glen Middle School. SJUSD allows students to choose which middle school to attend. The foundation wants to make the middle school an appealing choice.

"Positive public outreach" is how the foundation plans to change the community's view of the schools and create a positive image.

"Willow Glen has a negative image of the middle and high schools," English said. "We want to make sure the successes of the schools get out to the community."

For more information about the Willow Glen Middle School and High School Foundation, Box 8096, San Jose, CA 95155-8096, call 408.275.0161, email info@willowglenfoundation.org or visit www.willowglenfoundation.org.