Couple Donates $1 Million to Kindergarten Class to Attend College
The high school graduating classes of 2032 who are all currently kindergarten students at Rio Vista Elementary School in Anaheim, California, have a lot to be grateful for. Marty Burbank and his wife, strangers to the 26 Rio Vista kindergarteners, will be funding 2 years of community college and 2 years at a California state school- or an equivalent amount, should the students choose to study elsewhere.
The Burbank’s, Marty being a Lawyer and Navy vet and his wife, a University professor, started up a private foundation, where they will be contributing to each year until the students graduate from high school. Both Marty and his wife were the first in their families to attend college. They have estimated the total cost of the pledge to be $1 million.
In a statement by Marty he said, “I’m a strong believer in visualizing your goals.” He requires each recipient of this pledge to draw a picture or write an essay every year about what going to college will mean for them and their families. “This way they’ll be thinking about this each year for the next 12 years,” continued Marty.
The Burbank’s initial goal was to purchase a boat, but had a change of heart after attending a church sermon about charity and felt that the boats purchase would be selfish. They hope that others would be inspired to follow suit.
“It doesn’t have to be the whole class. Picking up the tab for one child can really make a difference, “ remarked Burbank.