Development Department Annual Report for 2010-2011

The 2010-2011 school year was one of the most memorable in recent history. It was a year of change, of goodbyes to old friends and warm welcomes for new ones. We celebrated our first full year in the Anchor Center and positioned ourselves for a newly-energized future with a new Head of School, new Middle School Head, several new teachers, and new priorities. We are a school on a mission!

Jason and Betsy Hood, Annual Fund Chairs

Despite the challenging economy, families and friends of GSL dug deep into their pockets and gave generously to the Annual Giving Campaign. In fact, we had an 84% parent participation rate! The outstanding leadership for this successful fund drive came from GSL parents, Betsy and Jason Hood, parents of Meredith and Griffin. 

Betsy and Jason – assisted by co-chairs Margaret McLean (Miss Lee’s) and Carrie Vaughan (Lower School) - were full of fresh, inspiring ideas, and they were unbeatable at rounding up great phonathon volunteers (special thanks go to all of our callers!) And, as always, we are indebted to the GSL Board of Trustees and to GSL’s dedicated faculty and staff, 100% of whom demonstrated their loyalty with their hard- earned dollars. (They are the first to give every year.)

The 2010-2011 fund drive raised $197,078.72 in unrestricted gifts plus another $55,606.60 in restricted donations for a grand total of $252,685.32! This includes more than $62,000 in donations generated through the Grandparent Challenge. In addition to helping with the school’s operational expenditures, a large portion of GSL’s donations were used to purchase iPads and SMARTboards and to cover a significant increase in financial aid. We are especially proud of the “new” Lower School Science Lab, which was made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Paul Wilson Family.

Lee Schaffler & Virginia Sharp
Auction Chair

We must also give credit to our ambitious and hardworking Parents’ Association (P.A.) for its impressive fundraising - and fun-raising activities - this year. P.A. President Sharon Truitt (mom of Connor and Callan; wife of GSL alumnus and Board of Trustees member, Kelly Truitt; and a member of the GSL faculty) worked tirelessly and creatively with her many volunteers – all of whom demonstrated their love of and faith in GSL with seemingly limitless energy. Dozens of special events and fundraising activities for every grade level were organized throughout the year, generating $61,985 for GSL’s Teacher Wish List. By far, the most popular and profitable event each year is the annual auction. Virginia Sharp (mom of Isabelle and Mary Faith) did a terrific job. The sold-out event netted $51,832!

The Lower School Science Lab was completely refurbished
thanks to a generous contribution to the Anchor Fund.

The GSL Alumni Association also enjoyed a strong year. Thanks are extended to the Alumni Association President, Herb Cochrane, ’81, for helping GSL stay connected to its former students. The new Alumni Association Facebook Page has attracted many fans, followers and contributors. Additionally, the alumni board members did a super job helping with the annual Lisa Lassandrello 5K Remembrance Race at GSL.

Bottom line: the very foundation of GSL’s success is built on the loyalty, vision, and commitment of its families. We have parents, grandparents, alumni and other special friends who all share their time and talents to ensure that the school’s young “Saints” get the best educational and developmental experiences possible. This support also includes the generous contributions made to the Anchor Fund. Our appreciation is extended to the following:

2010-2011 Grace-St. Luke’s Donors

This report reflects Annual Giving donations received through July 31, 2011. Any donations received after July 31, 2011, will be acknowledged in next year’s report (2011-2012).

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If any errors or omissions are discovered, please contact the Development Department by calling 901-278-0200 or by emailing Denise Taylor at dtaylor@gslschool.org.

Click here to view all of the donors.