Annual Fund is at a stand still this is likely in part because there hasn't been a recent push and because the read a thon promotion has begun. However, Karen and ER have developed a schedule for the remaining months of the school year to promote the annual fund once per month while we create a development plan for next FY. Here is the monthly plan please add thoughts:

• 3/17 In conjunction with St. Patrick's Day - How lucky are we?
• 4/22 In conjunction with Earth Day - Give green - celebrate the earth 
• 5/5 In conjunction with Teacher Appreciation Week - annual fund gifts in honor of teachers - or could someone share a story about a teacher - Also April flowers bring May flowers?
• 6/04 School year is coming to end reflect back on the year with gratitude - it's not too late to give a meaningful gift to the annual fund!
• 7/1 Annual report!

TM shared - Let's not forget the little digital fundraiser/boosters - see how much we can raise together in small amounts of time, by the end of the week/end of the day, etc. - Tanya will start it and everyone pitches in during a short period of time, small gifts add up!

Summer 2025 to dos: work on next year's collateral for the annual fund with a designer for annual fund collateral. Please, everybody think about who the chair and co -chair could be for next year's annual fund, share thoughts.

CG shared a fun idea about constructing a tree in the lobby - bare in the fall to start the year and leaves added as gifts are received - with gold leaves - "giving tree" in the lobby

Karen shared a development goal: Fundraiser = Auction

In the past we have discussed that a development goal has been to host an event. 2025-2026 let's plan an auction. This spring/summer is the time to set up committees for an auction with subcommittees we need chair or chairs for the following 

• sponsorship committee 
• acquisitions committee
• Premiere sponsor and tiered giving
• Decorations committee
• marketing and promotions
• fund the need at the end of the silent auction

CG suggested teacher-led project for the auctions? Could each classroom pitch in? Could the projects be already in progress? or a photo in the frame which would be a nice low-cost option? 

TM NEF auction is very successful - a service or experience is donated by each class. For instance the fire department offers Fire truck pick up child and go for a ride

Teacher services - firefly walk, art teacher birthday party, etc.

Next? Plan an auction meeting and invite community members to attend to recruit volunteers

EI: Ways that kids can do community service over the summer and help the school. Give what you can and take what you need (suggested donation). Let's still do the lemonade stand idea that MC suggested last month. Maybe we could make a "kit" for families or students so everyone who is interested can raise money. We can share this "kit" to the summer reading list so it goes home with each child. 

Other stand ideas to pursue:

• Adult lemonade stand
• Santa parade Hot chocolate stand 
• Yankee homecoming lemonade

Note: ER please explore permit/permission for both  

NOTE: Please remember to share the annual fund progress with the community AFTER the read a thon.

ER Followed up on River Valley Views: Recruit the help of Chris G to organize - CG and ER and KK meet to go over details

Famous alum for auction?

Read a thon update

Already have a take home of $5330 and 73 students have signed up so far. Read a thon starts on Thursday, March 6 

Need to pin down details for the ice cream social. Big tubs? small containers? Small containers are easier to clean up and distribute, larger containers will be messy, although less waste.

EI can the children self- report where donations came from can we get every state and show this on a big map? ER I need help figuring out how to do this? Digital? But fun idea!

ER will pursue ice cream social donation or discount with Denise, Hodgies, Market Basket, etc.

We are all on board for dress up as your literary character! YES - let's make sure this is okay with administration and include language in promotion of the read a thon.

TM Trying to secure a date for candle pin bowling at riverwalk lanes in Amesbury holds 50 people max  - No date yet. 

TM Saturday April 5 - spring garden clean up & clothing swap - what doesn't get taken goes to community giving tree, this will take place in the garden and in the gym

ER Would like to host a fodd drive/Collection before the end of the year - for a local org ER can connect with John Feehan at the YWCA and Newbury Food bank to see what is needed and possibly connect with teachers to see if a classroom would like to make the delivery

ER May Glow dance - Needs to be here at the school and expectations set by the school - TM will pursue conversation with KK and JP to firm up plans for this event.