Dear Raven Families,
As we embark on the second half of our year, it seems appropriate to review and report on the status of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts through its first two quarters. We began the 2007-08 academic year with a few changes from the three prior years. CCA has seen the addition of the fourth class of students bringing the school up to its full capacity of roughly 1,820 students. Brian Köhn stepped up as the school’s principal replacing founding principal David Jaffe. In an effort to increase gifting participation, last year’s Foundation Board voted to begin this school year with a significant change to its giving policy.
In the Foundation’s first three years, gifts were placed into an unrestricted account where the Board, working closely with the school’s principal, decided where the donations were most needed to support the vision of the school. Starting this year, donors are able to specify any of six areas where their gifts may be directed. To see a specific description of each area, please visit www.canyoncrestfoundation.org/givingcategories. When the new giving policy was drafted, there was concern that directed giving might cause an imbalance of funds for important programs in the school as well as operating expenses for the Foundation itself. A compromise decision was made to take 25% of directed funds and place them in the unrestricted account. This ensures the funds are still available for the directed accounts while mitigating risk of under-funding other less glamorous, though crucial areas.
A provision was also made to allow the establishment of specific capital projects. Such projects could not be undertaken without the consent of the district, principal, and a majority vote of the Foundation Board. Gifts donated for a specific capital project are applied entirely to that project, there is no reserve placed in the unrestricted area. There are two capital projects currently underway, the Ravens Nest, and a new backstop for the baseball field. Work on the Ravens Nest has begun within the last couple of weeks. The backstop project, funded by parents and friends of the baseball team, is currently in the bidding stage.
 Gifts received through the first two quarters this year total $378,000, compared to $359,000 at the same time a year ago (excluding capital projects). The number falls a little short of projections based on the school’s growth. However, family participation is significantly higher with 400 families participating compared to 305 families at this time last year. The distribution of received gifts through the six directed areas can be seen in the pie chart. With the Gala and the spring fundraising campaign yet to come, our goal of raising $1.1 million for this year remains attainable. To supplement family gifts, we have been researching local San Diego employers who provide matching donations for employees who make charitable contributions. Additionally, we have one board member dedicated to researching and applying for funding through grants and another in charge of passive fundraising (e-script, Ralphs Club, Vons, Albertsons etc.). Foundation expenses have been reduced this year by obtaining business sponsorships for much of our collateral material and special events. Whenever possible, please support these businesses as thanks for their generosity and to ensure their continued support.
Often overlooked, though of great importance, is the Foundation’s coordination of parent volunteers. During a typical school week we have anywhere from 30 to 40 parents donating their time to help in areas from administrative support to the cafeteria. Volunteers also provide support for special events such as Challenge Days, Choices Night (for prospective CCA families), Back to School Night, and the Foundation Gala.
Looking forward to the second half of our year, our spring fundraising campaign kicks off at the upcoming Back to School Night on Monday, February 11th. We have our largest fundraising event, the annual Gala, coming up on March 29th. This year the Gala will be at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. This event will be hosted by local news anchor Carol LeBeau and entertainment will be provided by the ever-popular Mar Dels band. It should be quite a lively party! We anticipate a sell-out crowd, so buy your tickets early! You can also donate items for the live and silent auctions as well as sponsor faculty and staff attendance at the event. For more information, visit our website www.canyoncrestfoundation.org.
I’d like to conclude by thanking everyone in our community for their generous gifts of money and time in support of our children at CCA. Your support, coupled with the terrific staff at CCA, ensure that they are receiving an outstanding and rewarding high school experience.
Sincerely,
Ted Thompson
President, Canyon Crest Academy Foundation |
