Annual Giving Campaign: 2006-2007
Strong Minds and Healthy Bodies
Q: What exactly is an Annual Giving Campaign?
A: The Annual Giving Campaign helps to fill the gap between tuition income and the actual cost of Pilgrim School’s academic program. As with all independent schools, tuition and fees do not cover the entire cost of educating each student. The gap between our actual operating expenses and our income is approximately 15 per cent.
The focus of our 2006-07 campaign is “Strong Minds and Healthy Bodies” as we continue to strengthen our technology and improve our physical education programs.
Technology upgrades will help Pilgrim continue to create an environment that is conducive to academic success. We aim to have a wireless campus, with laptops for every secondary student, and computer carts and upgraded computer labs for our elementary students. Laptops and computer labs will be integrated into Pilgrim’s curriculum.
From Junior Kindergarten on, every Pilgrim student participates in physical education. Team sports begin in grade 4. Pilgrim holds over 51 championships in various sports, and our no cut policy allows every member of a team to play. These opportunities help our students become well-rounded individuals with student careers that impress college admissions officers.
Funds will be used to renovate our gym, which is used by all students. We plan to create new fitness rooms with state-of-the-art cardiovascular and weight training equipment; add natural light; paint; update the locker rooms; resurface the floor; and create seating areas for spectators.
These exciting projects are forerunners to other planned facility changes as we work together to bring Pilgrim School to a new level.
Q: Who contributes to the Annual Giving Campaign?
A: Donors are parents, alumni, First Congregational Church members, Pilgrim Governing Board members, faculty, staff, First Church trustees, and friends. For parents, an Annual Gift is a tax-deductible method of underwriting your child’s private education.
Q: How much do I need to contribute?
A: The key to any successful fundraising campaign is participation. We welcome your gift whatever the size, from $10 to $25,000. All annual gifts are tax-deductible.
Q: Why is it important that each Pilgrim family contribute?
A: The Annual Giving Campaign is a benchmark that outsiders use to judge our commitment as a community to our children’s education. When we request financial support from outside funders (such as the Ahmanson Foundation, which fully funded our newly renovated science laboratories), one of the most important questions we are asked is, “What percentage of your families donate to the school?” Obviously, foundations are more willing to invest in a school when the parents and other stakeholders are fully involved and committed.
Our aim is to achieve 100 per cent participation from Pilgrim families. Students in each class that achieves that goal will receive a pizza party from the Governing Board.
Q: What is the financial goal for the 2006-2007 school year?
A: The goal is to raise $175,000. Reaching our goal will ensure that we can offer the programs our students deserve, and that we do not run a deficit. Our fiscal year is July 1 through June 30.
Show your Pilgrim spirit and donate today. A contribution form can be downloaded by clicking here. If your employer has a matching gifts program, please let us know as that can double your giving to the school. Most major corporations (Bank of America, Capital Group, Edison, Wells Fargo, to name a few) match charitable donations. Our development department will be glad to determine if your company provides this benefit to you.
Pilgrim School is committed to providing the best educational experience possible for our students, from academics to after-school programs. Your contribution makes us stronger.
Thank you in advance for your support. Feel free to telephone or e-mail
our Development Director, Toni DeVito, with questions, suggestions, and ideas.
She can be reached at tdevito@pilgrim-school.org or 213-385-7351 x 255.
