Every Spring our community normally comes together in support and celebration of Carolina Day School—our programs, our teachers, and most importantly, our students.
Our two major Spring events, Auction Gala and Share the Promise, alternate every other year and serve as both a galvanizing evening of solidarity and fun for our parents, alumni, grandparents, and parents of alumni, and also provide critical financial support for our school’s academic programs, financial aid, operations, and facilities. The support raised through these events, ranging from $100,000-300,000 per year, is absolutely crucial to the financial health and overall success of our school. The pandemic, of course, impacted everything. Large gatherings are not possible, and for the second time since the pandemic began last March, CDS’s one annual major event fundraising effort is compromised. Yet the needs of our school remain—now more than ever, in fact.
This school year we accomplished what many schools could not: we kept our students grades PreK-12 in school in person all but three planned weeks this school year. And for our families who could not attend in person, we provided a distinct remote program so that they could continue their CDS education at home.
We prioritized keeping children in class and on campus. We prioritized our high-risk families by creating an alternative to on-campus learning. We succeeded in both, despite the obstacles—a feat which calls for celebration. These priorities also came at real cost, both in new expenses and revenue lost, which is why we call on you for your support.
This Spring we ask that you support Carolina Day like you would every Spring. Only this spring, there are no events—no jackets and ties required, no valet parking or arranging babysitting, no event ticket purchases or auction bidding. This year we ask that you join together as a community in celebrating CDS’s success through the most challenging year in history and in recognition of what would have been our major fundraising event season by contributing directly to our school as you would have through an event. Your impact will be even greater this year: without event overhead, 100% of the donations will go directly to our school and address its immediate needs–which are greater this year. Your impact on CDS this spring is exponential.
Please, raise a paddle, purchase a raffle ticket, and give a toast to the incredible feats of our school and students this extraordinary year. Events may be canceled, but CDS success is not. With your help we can succeed against the remaining odds.
Call CDS Advancement at (828) 407-4441 with any questions.