Oct 24, 2026 | News
Calling all student chess players! Peninsula Education Foundation and Academic Chess invite students in grades K–8 to the Friday Knight Chess Tournament on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Palos Verdes Intermediate School. Join us for an evening of strategy, friendly competition and fun at the chessboard.
The entry fee is $40 per student, and the evening will follow this schedule:
- 5:45 p.m. Check-in
- 6–7:30 p.m. Tournament
- 7:45 p.m. Awards ceremony
New this year: Dinner before the tournament!
Make an evening of it with an optional dinner catered by Lunada Kitchen. Preorder your meal when you register, then arrive as early as 5 p.m. to enjoy dinner before the games begin.
Supervision is provided, and drop-off is welcome. Parents must sign students in and out. Please keep in mind that seating for parents and siblings is very limited.
Late arrivals are welcome, but missed playing time cannot be made up, and players may need to wait for an available partner.
Ready to make your move? Register for the Friday Knight Chess Tournament HERE and preorder your optional dinner.
Questions? Contact Academic Chess at losangeles@academicchess.net or 818-850-1114.
Sep 3, 2026 | News
If you haven’t had a chance to donate to PEF, it’s not too late! PEF Pledge Day is Wed, Sept 9. You can donate now or make a pledge and pay later. Because of you, our children will receive not an adequate education, but an excellent one! Your donation funds elementary music teachers, PE teachers, school librarians, school counselors, STEM programs, College and Career Centers, additional teaches and more! Click HERE to pledge or donate today!
Does your employer match your donations? This is a great way to double your impact! Check HERE to see if your company participates in a matching gift program.
Sep 2, 2026 | News
Join us for an unforgettable day at the 6th Annual Toast on the Coast! Savor delicious bites, sip fine wines, and enjoy craft beers and spirits from some of the South Bay’s best food and drink vendors. Last year’s event sold out, so purchase your tickets today! It is a party with a purpose and we cannot wait to celebrate with you! As you enjoy the day with us, you will also be helping raise funds for the programs and staff that make a real difference for PVPUSD students. From bidding in the live auction to raising your paddle, every moment of the night helps fuel excellence in our school!
- Tastes from some of the South Bay’s best restaurants
- Wine, craft beer, and premium spirits
- Live music featuring Saved By the 90’s
- Breathtaking ocean views
- A chance to support Palos Verdes students and schools
Toast on the Coast
Sat, Sept 26 from 4-9 pm
Lower Malaga Cove
300 Paseo del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates
General Admission: $195
VIP Lounge: $295
Cabana for 10: $4,500
Ticket prices include unlimited tastings of food and beverages.
All proceeds benefit the Peninsula Education Foundation whose primary mission is to elevate education to the 10,000+ students in all 17 schools of the PVPUSD.
More information can be found at ToastontheCoastPV.com.
Jun 1, 2026 | News
PEF is proud to recognize Joanne Lewis, Teresa Hoffman, Julie Arico, and Nancy Shafer as the 2026 recipients of the Sam Goldberg Award. Named after one of PEF’s founders, the award recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary impact on the youth of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Together, these four remarkable women have guided thousands of students and families through the college and career planning process. Through their work in the College & Career Centers at Palos Verdes High School and Peninsula High School, they have provided invaluable support with college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, career exploration, and the many important decisions students face after high school.
This year is especially meaningful as Joanne Lewis and Teresa Hoffman retire after more than 15 years of dedicated service at PVHS. Their knowledge, compassion, and commitment to students and families have left a lasting legacy.
At Peninsula High School, Julie Arico and Nancy Shafer continue to help students navigate their futures with the same dedication and care that have defined their work for years.
PEF is honored to celebrate Joanne, Teresa, Julie, and Nancy for the tremendous difference they have made in the lives of countless students. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.
May 29, 2026 | News
Are you a rising junior or senior who wants to make a difference in your school community, develop leadership skills, and gain real-world nonprofit experience?
PEF is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 PEF High School Ambassador Program. Ambassadors serve as student leaders and advocates, helping connect their school communities with PEF’s mission of supporting all 17 PVPUSD schools. Throughout the year, ambassadors participate in community events, volunteer at PEF programs, attend school and community gatherings, and help promote fundraising efforts that directly benefit local students. This is a unique opportunity to build skills in leadership, marketing, communications, and fundraising while making a meaningful impact.
PEF Ambassadors represent both Palos Verdes High School and Peninsula High School and serve from July 2026 through June 2027. Hours are flexible and designed to fit around students’ schedules.
Application Deadline: Sunday, June 7, 2026
If you are passionate about your school, community, and making a difference, we encourage you to apply today. For more info and to apply, click HERE.
