FUNDS GO TO GOOD USE

I am writing in response to the "Malibu Kids Deep Into Drugs" letter
published on Jan. 1. The letter writers are incorrect in stating that
donations to Malibu High School ("MHS") are used for campus beautification
but not "to protect our kids and keep them safe." In fact, through the
generous donations of our parents and the community at large, this academic
year alone The Shark Fund, the umbrella fundraising organization for MHS,
has been able to allocate $44,500 to various counseling programs.

First, $10,000 in donations went to support the Angels at Risk
program, which provides counseling to children (and their families)
who have strayed into illegal substance use. The Shark Fund also
allocated $7,500 to the Deputy Bob STAR drug abuse prevention program
for middle schoolers. Another $17,000 of this year's donations was
allocated to the Council Program, a professionally facilitated peer
discussion group for all 8th and 9th graders (it's part of the
curriculum), focused on sensitive issues that teens confront. Finally,
$10,000 in Shark Fund donations was spent on Counseling Services at
MHS, to provide short-term assistance and referrals to children and
parents who are dealing with difficult issues.

All of these allocations were recommended by the MHS administration,
demonstrating their commitment to our children's well being. And these
programs are not new; they have been funded through donations to the
Shark Fund for the past five years. Further, as MHS PTSA President
Sandy Thacker pointed out in her excellent letter last week, the PTSA
will be using funds they have raised to sponsor an intensive drinking
and driving seminar for high schoolers later in the year. I do not
mean to minimize the distress suffered by families who are struggling
with underage alcohol and drug use. But I do want to make sure the
Malibu community understands that their generous contributions to
Malibu High School are being used to help prevent and address
substance abuse by our children.

Elizabeth Anthony

Shark Fund Chairman