Parents have responded generously to this year’s Community of Givers, giving the drive a strong start.
"We are truly grateful for the contributions of parents to the Schools," said Eileen Epstein, Director of External Affairs. "Over the years, giving to the Schools by parents has consistently increased, and that support has made a measurable difference in our ability provide outstanding educations for our students."
Parents responded to the Community of Givers October mailing and phonathon by making gifts and pledges totaling $258,388 to the fund. Alumni have contributed an additional $68,300 to the effort. The drive provides unrestricted support for the Schools.
The Community of Givers drive was aided tremendously by parent volunteers who made calls during the October phonathon. Those volunteers were Natalie Bernardoni, Diana Bostic, Maria Constantinides, Linda Corby, Susan Constantin, Joan Himmel Epstein, Caroline Flatow, Timika Hoffman-Zoller, Richard Hudson, Janice Knox-Belcher, Raphael Lavin, Jim Lentz, Mary Minella, Andy Neal, Colleen O’Leary, Ned Reece, Beth Saks, Miriam Smith, Dan Stolze, Jeff Sydel, Mary Lou Sydel, and Cynthia Van Osdol.
Parent participation has been at its highest in years, with almost 51% percent of Lab families making gifts or pledging specific dollar amounts to the Community of Givers this year. "While we would like to see this level increase to the more than 70% parent participation enjoyed by our peer schools, we are very pleased to see participation rising above the 50% mark for the first time in several years," said Sarah Lehman, Assistant Director of Alumni and Development.
Parents may send contributions to the Alumni and Development Office, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 1362 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60637. Secure online giving is also available at https://onlinegiving.uchicago.edu, where donors may specifically designate their gifts for the Laboratory Schools.