Page 11 - Priorities #45 2010-January

From Alumni Relations
Dear Friends of the Priory:
The Annual Fund is the lifeblood for all that the Priory means to its students and families.
As I write this, the Annual Fund Campaign has been underway for a couple of months. Our Annual Fund Chairs (for Founders’ Club, the Parents Fund, Alumni, Alumni Parents, Grandparents and Friends) and the develop- ment staff have been working non-stop toward this year’s goal of $1.8 mil- lion. I am certain that, as you read this, we are well on our way to another successful year and will indeed reach that goal.
As you are no doubt aware, in November and December we began a concerted effort to secure Annual Fund gifts and pledges before the end of the calendar year on December 31. There are two major reasons for doing so.
The Board of Trustees begins the budget process for the following school year (in this case 2010- 2011) in January. The earlier the board can estimate the fund raising for unrestricted dollars this year, the sooner they can begin to factor fund raising goals into the Priory budget for next year.
In addition, it has been my experience that, as we get into the second half of the school year, all of us become more and more busy as the year moves toward the Priory Auction in May, and on to graduation in June. Securing Annual Fund gifts and pledges by the end of December leaves one less decision for us all to be concerned with during this very busy time.
If, as you read this, you have not yet made your gift or pledge to the Annual Fund, please consider doing so as soon as possible (pledge payments are not due until June 30th, the end of the 2009-2010 fiscal year, but are counted toward participation and the overall goal immediately upon receipt).
Once again, I extend my sincere gratitude to all members of the Priory community for your continuing generosity and support.
Sincerely,
John Baldwin
Director of Development
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