The Pasadena Educational Foundation celebrates 40 years of supporting the Pasadena Unified School District with a party that takes place Thursday, September 15, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Paseo Colorado Courtyard. Established in 1971, PEF is California’s oldest educational foundation supporting K-12 education. The event is free and open to the public. The festivities will include bands and choirs from PUSD’s high schools, food from local restaurants, and mingling with friends and supporters of public education. Attendees can learn about PEF’s many programs that make a difference in student and teachers’ lives everyday. The reception and program precedes the annual State of the Schools Address that begins at 6:30 p.m. across the street from the Paseo at the Pasadena Convention Center.  Board of Education President Renatta Cooper and PUSD’s new Superintendent Jon Gundry will speak. PEF's party is also the kick-off event for its first-ever Community Awareness Campaign that will run throughout the fall.  Four-hour parking validation will be provided in the Paseo Parking Garage.