Late October was a busy time for more than 30 parent volunteers who gave their time to call other parents as they launched the 2000-2001 Community of Givers annual fund drive.
After three nights of phone calls, 492 families had committed more than $97,000 to the drive - a tremendous achievement. Gifts received from parents plus outstanding telephone pledges now exceed $152,000.
The Community of Givers raises unrestricted support for Lab's operating budget and supplements the 87 percent of the Schools' income that comes from tuition. Funds are applied to uses as diverse as faculty development, classroom supplies, new curricular programs, and deferred maintenance, enabling Lab to maintain a superior facility and remain on the cutting edge of education.
In addition to parents, alumni and other friends of the Schools contribute to the Community of Givers fund. During the 1999-2000 year, the drive raised a total of $211,54, of which $119,187 came from parents.
"The generosity of our parents is a tribute to their commitment to the Schools and to their children's educations," said Eileen Epstein, Director of External Affairs. "We are grateful for each gift and urge people who have not yet made a contribution to consider one."
Parents who would like to support the fund may mail their contributions to the Alumni and Development Office, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 1362 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637. People with questions may call Epstein at (773) 702-0578.
We thank Don Dorfman and Jim Lentz, co-chairs for this year's phonathon, and the following parent volunteers who gave so freely of their time: Natalie Bernardoni, Gayle Bryan, Maria Constantinides, Lisa Curci, Greg Ehlers, Laura Ehlers, Patricia Evans, Tom Gariti, Jane Hensel, Dick Hudson, Jane Humilier, Cindy Kampf, Stephen Kane, Sonya Malunda Lampley, Susan Berman Lazar, Gina LiCavoli, Joseph LiCavoli, Mary Minella, Andrew Neal, Colleen O'Leary, Nancy Peltzman, Elisabeth Pryor, Ned Reece, John Sandwick, Bea Schutz, Miriam Smith, Ed Springer, Jeff Sydel, Mary Lou Sydel, Cynthia Van Osdol, and Susan Weiss.