Educator Chipotle Challenge Fundraiser

Hey there! Thanks for dropping by the Educator Chipotle Challenge (ECC) Fundraiser on GoFundMe! I’m Kala Ebbe, a School Counselor for grades 7-9 in Davis, California. Before Davis, I was an elementary School Counselor for over 1,200 students in Blackfoot, Idaho. As a School Counselor for five years, I have supported students and families from a range of backgrounds that include high poverty, members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe on the Fort Hall Reservation, drug and substance use and abuse, and various levels of mental health challenges. No matter the background, it’s apparent that healthy relationships between students and their educators is a critical factor in students’ overall well-being and academic success. I have been privileged to work alongside extremely dedicated, com(passionate), resourceful educators who often put their students’ needs before their own. I want my fellow educators to know - and be reminded - that they are valued and supported in one of the most influential professions. I am taking peaceful action to give back to educators and students.

The ECC has evolved since its original inception. In 2015, my good friend, Kael, challenged me to eat Chipotle once a day, every day for one year. I ran with the challenge idea and combined two things I love - education and Chipotle - with the goal of doing something bigger than myself, and to give back to educators and students. The purpose of the ECC is to fulfill Kael's Chipotle challenge; to highlight stories of how educators have positively impacted people through (at least 53) video recorded Educator Shout Out Interviews; and inspire people who support educators and students to donate money to an educational cause. The goal is to raise $100,000! I began eating Chipotle once a day for one year on August 29, 2018 (the first day of school), and will complete the challenge on August 28, 2019 (the first day of the next school year).

When the ECC began, I was in partnership with my school's Booster Club, who received and tracked the funds raised for the ECC Fundraiser. The ECC is not sponsored or a school-sanctioned event; therefore, the partnership with the Booster Club discontinued. I invited other non-profit organizations to partner with me and the ECC without success. After PayPal fees, the $240.23 raised for the ECC fundraiser through the Booster Club was transferred by check to me, Kala Ebbe, on January 28, 2019. On 2/2/19 (the 158th day of the ECC), I opened a bank account (requirement of GoFundMe and their payment processor) in my name through Travis Credit Union to host the $240.23, and subsequent funds raised for the purpose of the Educator Chipotle Challenge Fundraiser. I have not received and will not personally receive or benefit from the money raised through the ECC Fundraiser. I will maintain impeccable, detailed, and transparent records for the funds raised through the ECC's GoFundMe Fundraiser. I will file the appropriate tax information after the fundraiser is complete, and the amount that is raised for the ECC will be expended for the purposes listed above. 

Half of the money raised will be used to purchase supplies and materials for educators at Da Vinci Charter Academy in Davis, California. Educators will complete a request form for items they need in their classroom/office to support students, and I will prioritize purchases based on the available funds in the GoFundMe account. Half of the money raised will be a one-time donation to an organization that provides mental health resources and services for students in K-12 schools in Davis. The organization has yet to be finalized. 

To be part of giving back to educators and students, you can chip in for education with a generous donation to the Educator Chipotle Challenge GoFundMe Fundraiser. Donations will be accepted until 11:59PM on August 28, 2019, the last day of the ECC. Since this is an endeavor as a private citizen, not through a 501(c)(3), your donation will not be tax-deductible at this time. GoFundMe has a "transaction fee" of "2.9% plus $0.30 per donation."
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Daily photos and videos documenting my yearlong journey of eating Chipotle, the Educator Shout Out Interviews, and fundraiser for the ECC will be housed on the ECC's website (www.educatorcc.com). Updates will also be shared on the Educator Chipotle Challenge (ECC) YouTube Channel, Instagram (@educatorcc), Twitter (@educatorcc), and Facebook (Educatorcc). I will invite people of various generations and occupations to share a story - through an interview - about an educator or educators who have made a difference in their life. I hope the ECC's purpose resonates with and inspires you to join me in raising $100,000 to give back and support educators and students! Full bellies. Educated minds. Full hearts. Full circle.

You can also support me and the ECC by liking, subscribing, commenting, sharing, and tagging the following on social media (YouTube , website , Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) : #Ellen #TheEllenShow #GetMsEbbeOnYourShow #ChipInForEducation #educatorcc #EducatorChipotleChallenge #Chipotle @theellenshow @ellentube @michelleobama @oprah

I'm so grateful to share this wild adventure with you! Let's give back to and support educators and students!

Much love,

Kala Ebbe
School Counselor, Grades 7-9
Davis, CA
www.educatorcc.com