December 14, 2007
News from the Office of Philanthropy
It's the Season!
Dear PHS Families and Friends,
It is that time of year when we celebrate with our families and friends and look back on the year with gratitude and appreciation for all our blessings.
In this holiday season we ask that you keep Art for Kids Sake Auction in mind while you are out shopping at your favorite stores, dining with friends, partaking in your company’s holiday celebration or escaping to your favorite holiday getaway.
Help us solicit Auction items like certificates and goods from local merchants, restaurants, spas, hotels, inns, etc.
You can help us reach out to these merchants and businesses by taking an AFKS Donation form and Solicitation letter and handing it to them directly.
Or leave the Donation Form and Solicitation letter and you can follow up with a phone call. Or ask for the Owner’s or Manager’s card and relay the information to the AFKS Solicitations Committee and we will gladly follow up.
Both AFKS Donation forms and Solicitation letters are available at the PHS AFKS table in the front lobby area.
If you have any questions or need more information, you check out the Art for Kids Sake page on the PHS website: www.presidiohill.org/AFKS
The AFKS webpage will give you the skinny on What to do? What to ask for? How to ask? What to do with your forms? Etc.
So mark your calendars and dust off your dancing shoes for Art for Kids Sake Auction is stepping out to ARTrageous 1920’s on March 29th 2008 Saturday from 6:30pm till they turn down the lights.
Your help and participation are key to the success and continuation of Art for Kids Sake Auction. We are look forward to putting together another red hot fun filled Auction night for our PHS family and community to enjoy.
We wish you all happy holidays and harmony for the new year!
Cheers,
Grace Angel Dawn Gross
AFKS 2008 Auction Chair AFKS 2008 Auction Co-Chair
December 07, 2007
From the Office of Philanthropy 12-7-2007
How is Presidio Hill School Funded as an independent school?
Tuition provides the largest segment of revenue to the school. Other funds are derived from tax-deductible contributions, such as annual gifts to The Annual Fund, and special fundraising events, such as the auction and Walkthon.
Doesn’t tuition cover costs at presidio Hill School?
Not quite. Tuition covers most operating costs such as salaries, benefits, supplies, utilities and maintenance, but The Annual Fund closes the gap between tuition and expenses. In order to provide special enhancements for the students and faculty, parents, past-parents, alumni, corporations and foundations all support the school by their contributions to The Annual Fund.
What does The Annual Fund provide for the school?
Some of the many enhancements provided in the past from The Annual Fund have included:
* Professional workshops and training sessions for faculty and staff
* Support for Financial Assistance
* Teacher salaries and benefits
Are gifts to The Annual Fund considered tax-deductible contributions?
Yes! Presidio Hill School is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions to The Annual Fund are tax-deductible. When you send your donation to the school, your gift will be confirmed in a letter that should be kept for tax purposes.
What am I expected to contribute?
Each Presidio Hill family must determine what amount they are able to contribute and each gift is important. When PHS seeks funding from other sources such as foundations and corporations, it is important to be able to illustrate the support of its parents and others by the percentage of individuals who contribute to PHS. Consequently we stress the importance of 100% parent participation. Most of PHS’s parents appreciate the school’s efforts to provide a solid educational program for its students and participate in The Annual Fund. All contributions are recognized each year in the Presidio Hill School Annual Report, which is printed in the fall.
Many companies have matching programs for their employees and every year we are the grateful recipients of corporate matching gifts. Please contact the Development Office if you feel your company may participate in a matching gift program. We are eager to increase our annual support by participating in as many matching gift opportunities as possible.
May I make a gift of appreciated stock?
Yes, stock gifts can be of great benefit to both the donor and the institution receiving the gift. You may be able to avoid capital gains tax by making a gift of appreciated stock. Please contact the Development Office for instructions on how to transfer stock to PHS.
If I have questions, whom do I call?
Questions about The Annual Fund may be directed to Namrata in the Development Office at 415-751-9318 ext 106 or email namrata_gupta@presidiohill.org
Namrata Gupta, Director of Philanthropy
November 30, 2007
From the office of philanthropy 11-30-2007
Letter from the Office of Philanthropy
A million thanks to everyone who has already pledged or made a gift to the Annual Fund! You can track our community’s progress on the gift chart in the school lobby. And congratulations to the faculty and staff, who have already reached 100% participation in the Annual Fund!
We depend on gifts to our Annual Fund to help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and actual school expenses. This year, the gap is $1,885 per student. Your gift (tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law) supports the operating budget and thereby ensures the quality of the PHS education we have come to expect.
We ask you to make PHS a philanthropic priority while you have children attending the school. Please make a gift that reflects your commitment to the superior education and experience that your children are receiving. Every gift makes a difference, and every gift is appreciated!
Gratefully,
Audrey Yee
Chair, Development Committee
February 09, 2007
From the office of philanthropy 02-09-2007
Presidio Hill School is on the path to great success in its 2006-07 Annual Fund. Because of the incredible generosity of our donors and the hard work of our volunteers, we have raised $200,000 in gifts and pledges towards our $300,000 goal.
As most of you have heard this year an anonymous donor will match dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 every dollar we raise above $275,000. This same donor will give the school an additional $10,000 if we achieve 100% participation in the Annual Fund. And don't forget that your gift to the school is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We would like to thank the families below who have given to the Annual fund. We greatly appreciate your support. If you have not contributed to this years Annual Fund, there is still time to fulfill your pledge or give a gift. We hope you will consider playing a part in our school's success.
If you have donated and do not see your name listed below, we apologize.
Please give the development office a call (x106).
100% participation from PHS Faculty and Staff
100% Participation from PHS Board Members
K Class
Jill and Scott Chase
Robert Elsen and Daniel Conlin
Ralph Lane
Dawn and Andrew Gross
Elizabeth Ranieri and Byron Kuth
Erin M'Rabet
Kimberley Spears and Kevin Neeson
Julie and Rick Polito
Rebecca Mauleon and Manuel Santana
Carmen Gomez
Marla and Max Schrank
Colleen Smith
Audrey Yee and Michael Steiner
Ronica Lee
Irene Sung and Richard Drury
Misako and Manuel Torres
Tineke and Will Triggs
Sara Newman
1st Grade
Darlene and Rodney Fong
Betty and Walee Gon
Dawn and Andrew Gross
Julie Marcus and Steve Hagler
Amanda and David Innocencio
Amy Sparrow and Antonio Magoncelli
Mary and John Main
Peggy and Don Sarason
Jermey Stone and Paul Matz
Louise Gregory and Joe Scanga
Maria Osmena and Walter Van Riel
Sandra Enterline and David Walker
2nd Grade
Claire and Adam Barnum
Linda Bouchard and David Cole
Sarah and Alfedo Cahuas
Elizabeth Ranieri and Byron Kuth
Irene Merry and Graeme Merry
Kimberley Spears and Kevin Neeson
Lisa Jeli and Haroon Tahir
Lauren and Ron Silva
3rd Grade
Mary Austin and Brewster Kahle
Nicole Grindle and Noel Kauffman
Deirdre and Sean Kelly
Mary and John Main
Ron Martinez
Holly Christman and Max Perr
Beth Ross and Laura Trupin
Maureen and Edwin Tejada
Jamie and Brian Thomas
4th Grade
Rose and Robert Ceballos
Jane Abad and Kevin Colosimo
Darlene and Rodney Fong
Susan Gevitz
David Delp
Julie Marcus and Steve Hagler
Lisa Honig and Dale Schroedel
Susan Byrd and Mark Lampert
Marcia and Scott Mock
Biz and Tobby Morris
Eliseo Perez Stable and Claudia Husni
Leslie Roberts
Leticia Alcantar and Virgil Pryor
Anne Regenstein and John Hefti
Erin Roach and Howard Rosenfeld
Collin Smikle and Kimberlee Sorem
Maria Osmena and Walter Van Riel
5th Grade
Karsten Bengtsson and Helle Rytkonen
Jeffrey Greenberg
Mary and John Main
Dorte Lindhardt and Fred Pollack
Beth Ross and Laura Trupin
Rebecca Mauleon and Manuel Santana
Jamie and Brian Thomas
Jermy Uejio and Scarlett-Liang Uejio
6th Grade
Adam and Claire Barnum
Josefina Jacquin
Arnold and Nancy Davis
Rita Farner
Bob Scott and Rick Lewis
Abra Greenspan and Kiyotaka Hayashi
Mary Austin and Brewster Kahle
Nicole Grindle and Noel Kauffman
Melanie Barna
Stephanie and Bill Mellin
Katherine and John Kibler
Marcia and Scott Mock
Biz and Toby Morris
Anne Regenstein and John Hefti
Peggy and Don Sarason
Joshua Guerrero and Maria Schiffman
Diane Stewat
Sue Green and David Thompson
7th Grade
Sergio and Maria Armenta
Lydia and Kevin Bartlett
Louise Fong and William Bonham
Dee Dee Workman and Dan Goldensohn
Teresa Shaw and Keith Kandarian
Carla Leshne
Jo Cummins and Barry Milgrom
Tracy Shaefer
Michael and Katherine Ram
Erin Roach and Howard Rosenfeld
Sandra Enterline and David Walker
Julie Westcott and David Lahar
8th Grade
D'Anna Alexandra
Paul Alexandra
Ellen Friedman and Louis Blumberg
Ann and Greig Coppe
Maria and Raul Garcia
Denise Hueltt
Nancy Koch
Laura and John Maloney
Shelly and David Martinez
Robin Wright
Eliseo Perez-Stable and Claudia Husni
Agnes and Joseph Puerzer
Liz and Michael Schaffer
Maureen and Edwin Tejada
Sue Green and David Thompson
Susan Lundquist and Doug Thornley
John Ware and Margaret Ware
January 19, 2007
From the office of philanthropy 01-19-2007
The Annual Fund Needs You!
When my husband Mike and I received the letter inviting us to become part of the Presidio Hill School community, we were absolutely thrilled. PHS was at the top of our list, and we were impressed by the school's reputation for progressive education, its close-knit and welcoming community, the nurturing faculty and staff, and the intimate campus with its proximity to the Presidio parklands. We felt that the school would be the right fit for our son Sam as well as for the family.
We feel even more strongly now that we made the right decision to send Sam to PHS. He has thrived in Steve's and Sharon's kindergarten classroom and has made new friends. The transition from preschool to elementary school was seamless. We know a lot of that has to do with our particular school environment -- Sam feels at home at PHS, comfortable with his classmates and teachers. I have also jumped in as a volunteer for the school, pitching in where I think I can make a difference, and I have really enjoyed meeting a lot of the parents through this work.
Volunteering one's time is a wonderful and tangible way to show our commitment to the school and to maintain its unique culture. Another way to support PHS is to contribute to the Annual Fund. We hope that every family in our school will be able to participate in the Annual Fund, which is extremely important to the school to ensure that the budget is balanced. The Annual Fund goal -- $300,000 this year -- is written into the budget and is relied on to pay for expenses of the school, such as teachers' salaries and professional development, students' field trips and other extracurricular activities, tuition assistance, and costs of operation.
Our trustees keep tuition as low as possible so that cost is not a barrier for families that we want to include in our community. The gap between tuition and the cost of educating each student at PHS is $1,600 this year. We are counting on our families to help us bridge the gap and to help us maintain the unique culture and community of our school. If you haven't already (and if you have, many thanks!), please consider making your gift today. Your contribution will benefit all of us.
Gratefully,
Audrey Yee
Development Committee
January 12, 2007
From the office of philanthropy, 01-12-2007
Get Involved Through Annual Fund!
Many thanks to the families who already have made a contribution to the Annual Fund. As you know, Annual Fund supports many of the wonderful activities of the school that we sometimes take for granted but that are integral to our school's unique culture: field trips, art supplies, continuing education for our fabulous faculty and staff, and tuition assistance. This year, the gap between what tuition covers and what it costs to educate our children is $1,600 per student.
An anonymous donor will match dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 every dollar we raise above $275,000. This same donor will give the school an additional $10,000 if we achieve 100% participation in the Annual Fund. And don't forget that your gift to the school is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have questions or would like to make your gift or pledge, feel free to contact Namrata at namrata_gupta@presidiohill.org or (415) 751-9318, x106.
Please give what you can so that we can maintain the diverse education and community that our school has continued to offer for nearly 90 years.
Audrey Yee
Development Committee
Art for Kids Sake Auction: March 31st 2007
What is it? FundRaiser? FriendRaiser? FunRaiser? Art for Kids Sake Auction is our 3rd Annual Fundraiser for PHS showcasing Artworks by local artists and featuring our PHS Student’s artwork. We debuted in 2005 to create an event that demonstrated our commitment to the arts, showcased our unique school, and brought together our community.
What Do I need to Do?
- Donate/Solicit: Each family is asked to donate or solicit at least 2 items for the Auction (with $100 minimum total value)
- Volunteer: Your help is greatly appreciated. Find your niche and what you enjoy doing. Volunteering is another great way to meet & work with old and new friends. Sign Up sheets are in the lobby.
- Spread the Word: Tell your friends and neighbors about our must see Art Event.
What Items should I Get?
AFKS is all about Art but its also more than just ART.
Here are some ideas:
- Art: Photographs, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, etc.
- Art Experiences: Like a Private walk thru MOMA, Private tour with Artist, Chef, Performer, Private Concert, etc.
- Gift Certificates for dinner, lunches & brunches
- Hotels, Bed & Breakfast Inns, Vacation homes, Getaways
- Limousine, airplane, train, and balloon rides
- Tours and trips: Skiing, whale watching, sailing, oceanic expeditions, etc.
- Gift Certificates for Clothing stores, flowers, toy stores, housewares, etc.
- Wine, Gourmet Baskets, Chocolates, Truffles
- Group Dinners, Activities. Try putting things together in your neighborhood like a lunch and movie on Sacramento Street, Museum Tour at MOMA ending with Spa at Bliss, Dinner and Shopping on Union Street
Who should I ask?
(Donor forms, Solicitation letters available at PHS lobby) Start with your favorite local businesses. When you’re out dining, shopping, taking class, ask merchants if they can donate. When you’re visiting your dentist, Auto Garage, etc. ask if they would like to run an ad in the Auction Catalogue.
How do I ask?
Introduce yourself as a Parent at PHS. Keep it short and sweet. Ask if they can support the Auction by donating (Certificate, Services, etc.). Explain that Donors get premium placements in our Auction Catalogue and are bid on
by over 200 Attendees. Add that their support will help us reach our goal of increasing our Financial Assistance Program by 30%. Donations are Tax Deductible.
Where do I take Completed Donor forms and Donated Auction items?
Please bring them to the Auction Drop off box at the Art for Kids Sake Auction Table in PHS lobby. For larger and fragile items, please leave them with Brian or
Namrata.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Grace Angel 415 994 8009(cell)
Or email: grace.e.angel@comcast.net or Namrata at PHS ext 106.
November 10, 2006
From the office of philanthropy, 11-10-2006
Dear PHS Families,
Last week I received an email via our web site from someone whose name I did not immediately recognize. In the subject area it read “Ask Me For Money.” Surely, this was a virus! Cautiously, I read the email and found it was from an alumni parent, now living in another state, whose daughter had graduated about ten years ago. She wanted to know more about what we were doing at PHS, and she wanted to make a donation to the annual fund. As a philanthropy director, this kind of occurrence makes my day. Even more so knowing that this family, while they were here, received substantial financial assistance for their child.
I thought about this family’s relationship to PHS: one of fond memories and now a desire to give back to the school via the annual fund.
Many of you may ask: Why is the Annual Fund necessary?
* The Annual Fund dollars go toward educating your children each year;they are part of the annual budget.
* Tuition doesn’t cover the cost of educating our children. Tuition is set at a level perceived to be affordable to a variety of families. The “gap” between tuition and the actual cost of educating each child is $1600 per student this year. Annual Fund allows families to help bridge the gap with tax-deductible contributions.
* Because it helps pay for tuition assistance, the Annual Fund helps make our school more accessible to a diverse group of families.
The exciting news this year is that an anonymous donor will donate $10,000 if we reach 100% participation. This donor will also match $1 for $1 up to $25,000 for every dollar we raise over $275,000. This is an energizing and exciting opportunity.
We need your commitment. We need your generous support.
Sincerely,
Namrata Gupta
Director of Philanthropy
March 17, 2006
From the development office 03-17-06
I learned about PHS several years ago from Robert Burkhardt, a friend of Carey’s and the head of a school where I taught in Colorado. “You have to see this neat little school my friend is running; you’re going to love it” he said. And I did. As a newcomer to PHS last year, my attraction drew on the sense that life here would be different from other schools. I was right.
Over the course of the last two years I have gotten to know many of you and your children very well. Greeted by smiles and waves, (admittedly mostly for Tahoe and now, Campbell), PHS has become like a second home, and the community like a second family. It was a difficult decision to make, then, to leave the school in June. When I completed my Master’s degree in 2001, my plan was to utilize my teaching experience and research in corporate philanthropy (specifically their investment in education) to pursue opportunities in high impact philanthropy. September 11th changed the business and philanthropic climates and, broadening my search and guided by my passion for education, I found my way to Development in Independent Schools.
My experience has been a rich one: full of learning opportunities, enough challenges to keep it interesting, and fulfilling relationships with students and families that connect and sustain me to this wonderful community. That being said, after 5 years, I still feel the pull to social venture and the opportunity to affect change on a larger scale and, accordingly, must follow my heart.
I want to thank everyone for all that you have done to make my time at PHS so rewarding. I continue to be inspired by the mission of the school, respect the creativity and depth of knowledge that our staff brings to the classroom, and have loved the indomitable optimism that we are making the world a better place. Further, I am excited by the future that Brian’s energy and vision will undoubtedly bring and am confident that the goodwill and good intentions will continue to sustain PHS’ growth in the future.
In admiration and deep appreciation,
Skye
March 10, 2006
Art For KIds Sake
March 03, 2006
Art For Kids' Sake
2nd Annual Showcase and Fundraiser April 1st 2006
February 17, 2006
From the development office 02-17-06
In recent articles, I’ve talked about the power of change. For many, the word change and the anticipated state of flux, brings about feelings of instability and uncertainty. And the ability to generate a fresh view and to see things from new angles can be a challenge for each of us. Change, whether in slow, incremental stages or on grand scale affords the opportunity for renewed energy and sparked imagination, gives people the chance to start fresh, creates room for new ideas to blossom, and allows space for growth. All of this generates hope for a better future.Children in general, and specifically, the students here, seem to possess an eternal optimism that they can make things better. They see the world as a place where the rules about what is right and wrong are simple and clear. Moreover, their self-confidence in their own ability to make a difference is unshakeable. I recall feeling that same way, and often wish that it had stayed with me into my adult years.
It is easy to say that students’ lives are much simpler, and that the complexity of “the real world’ precludes your ability to do good. For many of us [adults], there never seems to be enough time. If we were able to collect a nickel for every time we heard or thought “I don’t have time to do that” or “I wish I had more money to give” I bet we could generate millions.
In another demonstration of their relentless optimism and unflagging commitment to making this world a better place, several of our lower school grades are kicking off month-long education and fundraising projects. Building on the success of last year’s ‘Quarters from Kids’ effort to raise money for tsunami victims (where our students collected over $1,000 in two weeks) our students are demonstrating once again that you don't have to be rich to have a positive impact, and you don't have to be an adult to affect positive change.
Beginning with this afternoon’s assembly, the 5th graders are performing several acts (and selling baked goods) to raise money for Room to Read, a local non-profit that builds libraries in Asia. The 3rd grade is doing a read-a-thon to raise money for Read to Feed (which buys farm animals for communities in Africa) and 2nd grade is doing Pennies for Patients to benefit The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We hope you will join us in supporting them by collecting change during the month of March.
Being immersed in the students’ optimism and confidence each day reminds me that it can be that simple, and that making a difference is a matter of ‘just doing it”. Indeed every one of us can make a difference through goodwill and creativity. As Mohandas Gandhi says “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” The students are proof that everyone can do something and that, together, anything is possible. To that end, I wanted to say thank you to all of you who have joined in our Annual Fund efforts. At 85% and $115,000, we are steadily climbing toward our goals of 100% participation and $150,000.
Congratulations to the 3rd grade parents who are the first to reach 100%!
Best wishes for a relaxing break,
Skye
February 03, 2006
From the development office 02-03-06
Growing a Culture of Giving
Nationally renowned folk singer John McCutcheon gave an afternoon concert on January 22, in honor of his longtime friend Carey, to raise money for the Carey Davis Fund. Part musician, part storyteller, part comedian, John engaged the audience in song and laughter, performing a mix of children’s’ songs, political lyricism, and covers of popular songs. His music, a blend of humor, political satire, and personal responsibility, engaged and entertained a crowd of 75 parents, alumni, and friends. John has performed shows for PHS audiences almost annually for the last seven years.
Click on the photo to read John Hefti's sign
John had an active sing-a-long throughout much of the performance. Before playing The Kindergarten Wall, a perennial PHS favorite and one that Carey sang with students while she was Director, John said this would be the first time he would actually be singing the song, as Carey had always led the performance and he did back-up. When he started playing and the audience was just as loud, he paused and joked that he knew his place and he would sing back-up for the audience.
His songs remind us that many of life’s most important lessons are learned as children and forgotten as adults:
Of all you learn here remember this the best:
Don't hurt each other and clean up your mess
Take a nap everyday, wash before you eat
Hold hands, stick together, look before you cross the street
And remember the seed in the little paper cup:
First the root goes down and then the plant grows up!
Another song he played was The Great Storm is Over because Carey had asked him to sing it before she passed away. He pointed out that when a community loses someone, “it throws everyone for a loop … Grief has to have a place … long enough to remind us that its mother is love.” Although he misses Carey, he realizes that she is still with us in the songs, art, conversations and laughter shared.
John spends much of the year on the road performing concerts, often as a fundraiser for schools. Asked why he adds to an already full schedule to raise money for schools, John replied that “being surrounded by this kind of hope” is what keeps him going. “Education is integral to all of our survival, so I help out where I can.” As John pointed out, culture and change go hand-in-hand because the decisions you make, and who you are, have as much to do with how you feel as with what you know.
Performing “children’s songs” and the simple but powerful lessons they teach was a good reminder that kids have much to teach us adults. What kids learn—in school, in their interactions with family and friends, in what they observe others doing—conveys messages about what is important, how to treat one another, and how to interact with the world.
We are grateful to John for his generous donation of time and talent, and we hope to be able to continue to enjoy his performances annually. Such gatherings are wonderful reminders of how great it is to be a part of a community of parents, friends, students and teachers who are committed to PHS. Watching John’s performance—how he brought community members together, talked about [our] shared grief, and encouraged us to feel hope for positive change and be a part of it–the image of a tree came to mind.
PHS is like a tree—a symbol of knowledge, embodying the deep roots of our history and the many different branches of school life. As a community, we too need nourishment whether it is through the commitment of teachers in the classroom, parents volunteering their time, or gifts given to the school. Indeed, just as a tree relies on sunshine and water, we at PHS rely on all of the ways people give to the school, to enable it thrive.
We are proud of the support our community has shown for this year’s Annual Fund, but need a little more water and sunshine to reach our goal of 100% participation by the end of February. Please help us to make it happen!
AF Update:
K: 69%
1: 75%
2: 79%
3: 89%
4: 71%
5: 93%
6: 65%
7: 73%
8: 52%
Skye DeLano
Development Director
January 13, 2006
From the development office 01-13-06
The holidays always serve as a powerful reminder of what is important in life—spending time with family and friends, reflecting on life’s gifts with gratitude for what I have, and am able to give, appreciating all of last year’s challenges and opportunities, while considering all that can be in the year to come.
For me, the start of a new year is always a threshold, a new beginning. It is an opportunity to start with a clean slate, try new things, do things better, and realize that vision of being who you want to be. I feel both fortunate and challenged to have so many things that I feel passionate about; there never seems to be enough time in a day to do all the things I want to do. Balance—of ‘work’ with play, ‘down-time’ with focused energy, of the ‘good’ that can be measured with what is felt—is always at the top of my list.
While the idealistic part of me believes I can get to all of the items on the to-do list, the realistic part of me knows there are 24 hours in a day, and limited resources to give (be it energy, money, time, or thought. For me, balance is about prioritizing, making sure that at the end of each day, when I look at how my resources are spent, they have invested in what is most important to me.
One part of how our families demonstrate their commitment and support of the school is reflected in the Annual Fund. Your gifts show that you believe so deeply in what we are doing here that you are willing to give, above and beyond what you pay in tuition. Our hope is that it inspires others to do the same.
To all the families who have pledged or given to the Annual Fund, thank you. To date we have received almost $100,000 in pledges and contributions (toward our goal of $150,000), and we are making strides toward our goal of 100% participation.
K: 20/32 = 62.5%
1: 11/16 = 69%
2: 9/14 = 64%
3: 13/18 = 72%
4: 7/14 = 50%
5: 12/15 = 80%
6: 17/26 = 65%
7: 17/26 = 65%
8: 13/27 = 48%
Overall giving = 64%
I feel fortunate to be in a place where goodwill and good intentions are the forces behind our growth. As we move forward in our ongoing efforts to become a stronger school community, your gifts–of time, energy, talent, and resources–are what enhance and strengthen our school. I know it is these intentions that will sustain us as we move through the second half of the year.
With renewed optimism and many thanks,
Skye DeLano
Development Director
December 16, 2005
From the development office 12-16-05
Happy Holidays! As we wrap up a busy fall, and look forward to the coming New Year, I wanted to provide a quick update.
Bookfair, November 17:
Thank you to all who made the trip to Laurel village to taste wine, snack on the delicious foods, and browse the book selections. Thanks to our collective bibliophilia and generous patronage we raised over $2,000 for our library.
Annual Fund Drive:
We are making our year-end push to reach 100% parent participation in the Annual Fund drive, and we need everyone to help us reach our goal! This is our largest fundraising effort of the year and we rely on the funds raised to help us keep tuition costs as low as possible. Please consider what your family can give, keeping in mind that every gift makes a difference. (We ask that pledges are made by December 31, but payments can be spread out until June 1, 2006).
Escrip, SchoolPop, and Other Ways to Give:
Sign up for one or both of these rebate programs and PHS gets a percentage of everything you spend on your credit and debit cards.
Coming together as an extended community to celebrate friends and family is a terrific part of Presidio Hill School tradition. Your commitment to your child’s education and your willingness to make Presidio Hill a top priority is greatly appreciated. Parent support is the heart and soul of our school’s success. Your investment-of time, effort, talent, as well as financial support-enable us to provide our unique and outstanding educational experience to our students.
Warm wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
With gratitude,
Skye DeLano
Development Director
P.S. Save the Date: Sunday January 22, John McCutcheon Concert. McCutcheon, a well known, respected and loved folksinger, has added a PHS ‘show’ to a West Coast tour in honor of his good friend Carey Davis. More details to follow in January.
November 04, 2005
From the development office 11-04-05
Walkathon Update
Friday October 21 marked the Walkathon’s 13th anniversary, though this was the first year having the event in the fall. Our theme this year was “Walk ‘n Roll” and our goals were to get 100% student participation, and to raise $33,500 to support PHS field trips and outdoor education programs.
Our students, undeterred by slightly damp field conditions and early morning San Francisco fog, took to the field, bolstered by Jono’s thoughtfully created Walkathon soundtrack. Clothed in bright green, fortified with oranges, and spurred on by cheers and Sara’s jokes, PHS circled the field to benefit the school, demonstrating their support for the programs and people that they love. And, as anyone who came to the event will attest, it was a success.
The Walkathon plays an important role in the school’s fundraising efforts. As with all of our events and activities here, we strive for 100% participation from our students. This event, for many of our students, is the first opportunity they have to be actively engaged as philanthropists. Our students are involved in many activities in and out of school where they collect items on behalf of others, and the Walkathon provides the opportunity for our students to be agents of change on their (and our school’s) behalf.
It was another year of strong participation, with seven grades reaching at least 85% class participation (each student getting two or more sponsors).
Leading the Middle School, was sixth grade with 85% participation.
Kindergarten and second grade both reached 94% participation.
First grade, third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade achieved 100% participation.
Way to go!
As the statistics below show, PHS students Walked and Rolled!
Over the course of the hour, students walked 6314 laps.
Most laps walked:
K-2: Carson (2) 55 laps
3-5: Emmet (4) and Andrew Thompson (5) Each with 68 laps
6-8: Ksen (7) 73 laps!
Collectively PHS students received pledges from 783 sponsors.
Most sponsors achieved:
K-2: Daija (1)
3-5: Isabel (3)
6-8: Sopie M (6)
Due to these remarkable efforts, we’ve received just over $27,000 in pledges/donations!
A special thank you to the Puerzer Family and all of the Walkathon helpers (the unofficial Walkathon captains), who filled and labeled water bottles, and delivered the items to the classrooms on Thursday night. And, to Gigi Obrecht, for lending her artistic and creative talents in designing this year’s Walkathon logo.
Thank you also to Betty Gon and Lorel Schinasi for their diligent and patient entry of the pledge information and to Dale Schroedel for leading the billing/tallying process again this year.
A final appreciation to Julie Marcus and Biz Morris for organizing the event, and to everyone who helped out by cheering, setting up, cleaning up, serving food, counting laps, tallying pledges and more pledges…we couldn’t have done it without you!
Skye DeLano
Director of Development
October 21, 2005
From the development office 10-21-05
Today’s Walkathon marks its 13th anniversary. For many of our students, this event is the first opportunity they have to be actively engaged as philanthropists. Our students are involved in many activities in and out of school where they collect items on behalf of others, and the Walkathon affords our students to be agents of change on their own (and our school’s) behalf.
This annual event plays an important role in the school’s fundraising efforts, and, as is PHS tradition, we strive for 100% participation from everyone. In this case, we ask that each student get at least two sponsors, with the hopes that each will raise $200, allowing us to reach our goal of $33,500. Some students will receive more in pledge donations, others less. Working together to reach our goal is another part of the learning process; knowing that we are unified in our support of the school, helps to strengthen the students’ bonds to each other as well as to this community.
Last, but certainly not least, as any of you who have attended can attest, the Walkathon is a really fun day. Seeing crowds of students in brightly colored t-shirts walking around and around, seeking out their buddies in older grades, laughing and cheering, you can literally feel the excitement in the air (or maybe it’s the spray bottles used to keep our kids cool?!).
Last year, students:
• Walked 7094 laps.
• Received pledges from 886 sponsors.
• Achieved 90% participation or above in grades K–5.
• Raised nearly $30,000 for the school.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the sun will shine through today, though I am confident that even a thick fog could not dampen our students’ enthusiasm. Thank you for supporting your child in this special event. A special thank you to Julie Marcus, Biz Morris, and all the parent volunteers for making this terrific event possible. Check next week’s Friday letter to get the final report!
Walking ‘n Rolling,
Skye DeLano
Development Director
P.S. As always, we welcome your suggestions and feedback so we can continue to improve the event; forms are on the table in the lobby.