June 4, 2014
On behalf of the members of the Campaign Cabinet, I would like to welcome you to the first edition of our newsletter for Soaring Beyond: The Campaign for TFS. Soaring Beyond/En plein essor is about providing the resources and support our students need to continue to excel beyond every expectation, and it is our intention to provide you with updates and news about milestones reached and events planned, as the campaign progresses. Already, we have exciting news to share.
As you know, at $9 million, this is the most ambitious campaign in the history of our school. In 2010 and 2011, guided by our three strategic priorities — Program Enrichment, Entrance Scholarships and the Learning Forum @ TFS — we began to count annual giving toward our campaign goal. During this “quiet” phase, many families also stepped forward with approximately $1.7 million in major gifts. We also received 100% financial support from members of both the Board of Directors and Head’s Council. This leadership support, in addition to cumulative annual giving, enabled us to unveil the public phase of the campaign earlier this year.
I am delighted to report that the campaign is gaining momentum. As of March 31, 2014, we had raised $6 million. This is a significant achievement, because with 67% of the $9 million raised to date, we are on track for success and that much closer to making those strategic priorities a reality.
Autumn at TFS promises to be exciting. A special campaign launch is scheduled as part of the Welcome Back BBQ, which will take place the third week of September. Then, in November, we will once again celebrate and recognize the diversity of our students and our community with one of the school’s foremost events, the exuberant Carrousel des Nations, when the Senior School gym comes alive with music, dance, drama, and the colourful flags and delicious foods of many nations.
Indeed, we have so much to celebrate and to be thankful for at TFS. In a very real sense, this campaign is a celebration. We can look back and reflect on five decades of philanthropy, which have helped to make possible the specialized facilities and leading-edge teaching resources our students today enjoy. We can also take pride in our TFS family. The way in which we have come together for our children, our school and this campaign ensures our success.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest thanks to all TFS volunteers who contribute to the life of our school in so many ways. We could not do this without you. A heartfelt thank-you to my fellow Campaign Cabinet members as well. Your passion for TFS and commitment to the campaign inspire me every day. Students, faculty, staff, parents and volunteers — job well done, everyone! I wish you all a splendid summer and I look forward to catching up with you in September.
Sherry Evershed
Chair, Soaring Beyond: The Campaign for TFS