SchoolPower presented its top Hall of Fame Award to parent Brent Martini recently.
The award was created in honor of the late Claes Andersen, owner of Hotel Laguna and Claes Restaurant. Andersen opened his restaurant to SchoolPower back in 2001 and underwrote an annual dinner for seven consecutive years, in addition to other generous donations. The Andersen family contributions totaled over $200,000 to SchoolPower.
With the Andersens as the benchmark, this award is not given lightly. However, it would be hard to find a more deserving recipient than Brent Martini, says a SchoolPower announcement.
Martini has given money and time to Laguna Beach schools and inspired others to do the same. As a former trustee for SchoolPower and a current member of its endowment board, Martini and his family have donated $300,000 to district schools, the announcement says. In recent years, his commitment has focused on improvements in technology, an area where Laguna schools once lagged. He’s also encouraged others contribute to SchoolPower fundraising.
“This has been the most satisfying thing I’ve done in my life. To see our kids prosper, to see our schools prosper…it’s a good thing,” Martini said.
