President's Message

As we conclude the 2009-2010 academic year, I would like to thank all who have supported the MAKO Educational Foundation this year. For the second year in a row we have exceeded $100K in donations. While this is something we should all be proud of, there is still so much more we can do for our school. The majority of our funds come from our two fundraising events and the contributions of a select group of benefactors. Membership however continues to fall short of expectations.

This year, only 184 of the 1,200 families at VDM chose to join the Foundation. Increasing participation and contribution levels is the key to the future success of the Foundation and the key to our ability to continue to fund important programs at VdM. If you were a member last year, I encourage to renew your membership and to take advantage of our monthly payment program to increase your contribution level. I also encourage you to recruit your friends and neighbors to join as well. Here is an example of the exponential growth we can achieve by increasing membership levels:

Current Membership - 20% of Families

184 Families x $154 average donation = $28,301

Double Membership/Double Contribution

368 Families x $308 average donation =$113,344

$25/month per family

$25 a month is a small price to pay considering the level of education VdM offers. If we can grow membership to this level (only 30% of families), we’re looking at approaching $200k in donations. At that level, the types of programs and technology improvements we can fund will have a tremendous impact on your child’s education and put VdM on par with the best schools in California.

The final question I have to ask is how much is your child’s education worth to you. You do not get this year back, make it the best today and do not look back and wish you did more. Tell all your friends, family and neighbors to visit www.makofoundation.org to make your contribution today.

Membership

THE FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT NOW. THE NEW COMPUTER LABS AND ELMO PROJECTORS ARE PART OF A 4 YEAR LEASE ONLY SO THAT OUR KIDS CAN HAVE IT TODAY. THEY ARE PART OF OUR 4 YEAR PLAN. I AM ASKING YOU AND 3 OF YOUR NEIGHBORS, FRIENDS, OR GRANDPARENTS TO DONATE TODAY AT www.makofoundation.org.

Many of you have already demonstrated your commitment to enriching your child's education by joining the MAKO Foundation, but there is more that you can do. I challenge each of you to encourage your friends, family members and neighbors to join the MAKO Foundation and support our efforts to keep District budget cuts from reaching our children's classrooms. Visit our website to see how the funds raised by the MAKO Foundation are being utilized here at Vista del Mar. Host a neighborhood event for your friends and neighbors, and we will be happy to join you and explain more about the MAKO Foundation's mission and goals for 2010 and beyond at Vista del Mar. We look forward to the coming year with excitement, as we partner with you to make a difference in your child's education. Thank you for all of your support!

SOIREE ON THE HIGH SEAS

Many thanks to all for the successful Soiree on the High Seas spring fundraiser, raising nearly $40,000 to help fund part of the Fund the Future and Beyond campaign!

BENEFACTOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Mogavero Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry Specialists

"Sync Your Smile with Your Lifestyle"

What is it about a stunning smile that captivates us? According to Dr. Frank Mogavero (who has also supported our school all year via the PACE telephone announcements), "A beautiful smile is the result of more than just straight teeth. Many who have had braces in the past have perfectly aligned teeth, but their smile does not portray the full, radiant, star-quality component that attracts us." Dr. Mogavero takes a comprehensive approach to orthodontics, paying great attention to the way in which teeth fit and enhance a patient's face, creating a more harmonious and attractive appearance. A MAKO Benefactor and Vista Del Mar Dad (6th grader), Dr. Mogavero has brought brilliant smiles to South Orange County now for 20 years!

Your Child's Best Smile

A big, beautiful smile lasts a lifetime. Choosing the right orthodontist to capture your child's best smile is an important decision. Not only should a doctor be experienced in proper dental function and aesthetics, but also in early interceptive orthodontics and facial orthopedics. Dr. Mogavero's expertise allows him to guide your child's dental and facial growth by closely evaluating changing bone structure to create that "winning smile". The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child receive an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 6 or 7, even without a referral from their regular dentist.

A Board Certified orthodontist, Dr. Mogavero offers a combination of education and expertise that puts patients at ease. Dr. Mogavero graduated with honors in both dentistry and engineering from UCLA and completed post-graduate orthodontic specialty-training at Baylor University. He was a clinical professor at USC for more than five years and has served as an expert witness on a variety of orthodontic cases. Dr. Mogavero also co-authored a textbook chapter on surgical orthodontics.

Pediatric Dental Specialist on the Way this Summer!

This summer, Dr. Mogavero and Staff are pleased to welcome experienced Pediatric Dental Specialist Dr. Jason Bishop to their practice! Now you can get your orthodontic and pediatric dentistry needs taken care of under one roof- just down the hall from Seaview Pediatrics!

What About Mom and Dad?

Orthodontics isn't just for kids! Mom and dad can also achieve the smile they've always wanted with Invisalign®, clear braces and other high-tech options. "Beautifully straight teeth boost confidence. It's never too late to have a great looking smile," says Mogavero, "Adults love the clear and invisible alternatives we offer for their treatment!"

Not Your Ordinary Orthodontist's Office

Inspired by the active Orange County lifestyle, Dr. Mogavero created an orthodontic office like no other. Mogavero offers cutting-edge dentistry with state-of-the-art equipment, including free-of-charge, ultra low-radiation digital x-rays in the comfort of a vacation-style atmosphere. Straight from the slopes of Mammoth (complete with real ski-lift chairs, Wii game cave, and complimentary web access!), this unique office features a fun ski/surf/skate interior designed to make every visit an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike!

Kids Say It Best!

"Dear Dr. Mogavero, You are the best orthodontist ever and have the coolest assistants! It feels good to have my braces off. If I ever need more braces again, I'll definitely come to you! Love, Sarah Meng"

Dr. Mogavero's office is located at 1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101, across from Z-Pizza. A complimentary exam can be scheduled by calling the office at 949-373-3737, and exam forms can be submitted electronically on Dr. Mogavero's website, www.SyncYourSmile.com.