Lindsey Sealy recommended that we try and find another meeting time as the current set date/time is difficult for some to attend. She will send out a Doodle Poll to find what will work best for the group. She will send out results and we will reschedule.

There will not be a December meeting due to the holidays.

Penny Wars Initiative going well at this time as reported by Lindsey Sealy.  All money raised will fund STREAM Challenge projects - supporting student innovation and creativity across the school.  Thinking that we may need to put more weight on the "challenge" aspect to greater engage high school students.

Fall Giving Day discussed. Lindsey Sealy reported that she has already received $8,000 in pledges. The stated goal is $15,000. Requesting support for reaching out to local businesses. The dates run from Thursday, December 4 through Saturday, December 6th.

Children's Winter Market is moving forward December 6th from 10-12. Applications are due to Mrs. Hover by Thanksgiving Break. This is also the culmination of the Fall Giving Day work.

Bobcat Bonanza planning is underway. Karen Kirby reviewed that the webpage has been updated and it is about time to start canvassing for silent auction items. She reviewed the list of prospective donors and will send out so individuals can identify who they will contact. Charlie Oakley reported that he has already been talking with parents that he works with and has gotten excellent response from them for volunteering to work on this project. 

Charlie Oakley reported that while ERA does not have a formal Athletic Booster Club, that the parents are very motivated to work with the Fundraising Committee to support efforts and identify needs and opportunities. Response from attendees was very positive and welcoming!

Charlie also stated that he wanted to have some future discussion re: the current fundraising policy re: $250 limits and time frames for requesting approvals as he is finding that to be a barrier in some cases.

Another area of discussion brought forth by Charlie was sponsorships and advertising of various businesses who want to support our athletic teams by putting logos, etc. on warm ups, banners, etc. While we appreciate all support, we need to identify/clarify if we have any policies in this regard. It was determined that this would be an issue for the Board to consider/address. Lindsey Sealy also stated that she would look at this legally, and at other school's policies.

Charlie also confirmed that he has scheduled a ERA Golf Tournament for 9/21/26 getting ahead of next year's calendar.

Everyone also reminded about using Givebutter as it provides an overall record of giving information.

As we look towards the future and possible growth of ERA, we want to begin looking for individuals who will work with the Fundraising Committee as a focused Capital Campaign Taskforce. As noted with all of the above mentioned activities, we don't want to lose that momentum - Fundraising activities are very important to students and our school life. The group was in agreement that these are two separate activities that need to communicate and work together.

This ties in with both the Fundraising Committee and future Capital Campaign Taskforce - we need dedicated volunteers. The group noted excitement re: C. Oakley's comments re: athletic parents so we hope to see our numbers grow in the near future.