In White-Knuckle Finish, 2010-11 Annual Fund Clinches Goal:

Michelle and Stephen McNear to lead 2011-12 campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2011

Baltimore, MD—Friends’ Annual Fund Director Meg Whiteford recalls the moment on June 30, 2011, in the final hours of the School’s fiscal year, when she realized she could finally breathe easy: the School had reached its $1.5 million Annual Fund goal—with just $1,600 to spare.

“It was incredible!” says Whiteford. She and assistant Annual Fund Director Julie Kolankiewicz had been in “full-court press” mode for days—working the phones, crunching numbers, and checking in with volunteers. “We were keeping track of the gifts as they came in. With each gift, we were getting closer and closer.”

Whiteford credits Kim and Lee ’78 Riley, last year’s Annual Fund Co-chairs, and the many other Fund volunteers with helping to get the word out. “We couldn’t have done it without them,” she says. She and her fundraising team can’t rest on their laurels: the 2011-12 Annual Fund is already underway. Led by this year’s co-chairs, Michelle and Stephen McNear—parents of Sam ’16 and Rachel ’18—the Friends School Annual Fund will again seek to raise $1.5 million.

“Friends plays a central role in our family’s life, as I know it does in many, many other Friends families,” says Michelle McNear. “Supporting the Annual Fund is the best way we know to express our gratitude. That’s the message Stephen and I want to send to the world.”

The Annual Fund runs through June 30, 2012. Gifts to the Fund support the School’s commitment to:
Economic diversity among our student population—by providing financial assistance to eligible families.
Balance—by providing an educational experience in which arts and athletics, character and intellect are fully-integrated into School life.
Powerful learning—made possible through a comprehensive and consistent faculty development program

Friends will begin its fall phonathons on Thursday, October 20, 2011. If you do not wish to be called at home, we encourage you to give in advance by using our secure online giving form. Click here to access the page. To learn more about the Annual Fund, or to volunteer for an upcoming phonathon, contact Meg Whiteford at mwhiteford@friendsbalt.org.

 

Now in its 227th year, Friends School of Baltimore is an independent, college preparatory school for boys and girls age 4 through grade 12. Rooted in the enduring values of the Quakers, the School is committed to providing a balanced education and developing in each student a vigorous intellect and the habits of a peaceful heart.