Great Green Give Surpasses Goal

The George School community demonstrated the power of collective philanthropy during the recent Great Green Give, the school’s annual challenge campaign. The school soared past its goal of 900 donors by 11:59 p.m. on February 8, 2019 during the culmination of the Great Green Give fundraising challenge, and unlocked a generous $50,000 challenge gift from Trustee Brian Wise ’93.

Thanks to the collective participation from alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff, parents of alumni, and more, this year’s event was a memorable milestone for the community. This was a truly global event with fifty-four gifts coming from George School families in China as February 8 dawned first in the East.

“We are most grateful for the response from the George School family. The Great Green Give is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate what we can collectively accomplish for this exceptional school,” said Head of School Sam Houser.

The successful event raised a total of $345,139 to support the George School Fund. Donors were able to designate their gifts to the area of greatest need, the arts, athletics, faculty support, technology, campus beautification, student life, or financial aid. The George School Fund, and the Great Green Give, ensure that the George School experience is distinctive for and accessible to our current students.

Additional challenges were issued throughout the day to work towards unlocking the $50,000 gift and were met with enthusiasm from participants. A $10,000 gift from Lee Kenworthy ’60 was unlocked when 450 donors made a gift by 1:00 p.m. on February 8. Another challenge from a parent of two alumni unlocked $25,000 during the event once 700 gifts were received by 6:00 p.m. that same evening. There was also a $10,000 parent-specific challenge throughout the Great Green Give from the Rampe family p ’20.

These challenges helped ensure the success of the event and exemplified the collective strength of an engaged George School community working together.

Alumni, trustees, parents, and students also participated in an energized phonathon for the Great Green Give. Callers reached out to the extended George School community throughout the day and night on February 8 asking for their support. Cheers reverberated throughout the room as each call brought the school closer to reaching its goal. Some donors contributed multiple gifts throughout the event, and gifts were coming in even after the 11:59 p.m. close of the event.

Jada Wooten ’20 was a student caller during the phonathon and enjoyed being a part of the event. “The Great Green Give was an amazing experience filled with excitement, laughter, and joy. I enjoyed hearing the stories of various George School alumni and the excitement that accompanied a donation,” said Jada. “I loved the collective laughter when someone stumbled over the words ‘Great Green Give,’ and the resounding noise when we received a donation. However, my favorite moment of the Great Green Give was when we reached 900 donors and everyone in the room was screaming and dancing with joy.”

“It was great to see the students so engaged in this event,” said Chief Development Officer Doug Seaberg. They were so impressed by the generosity of alumni, parents and friends of the school, all in an effort to strengthen their school and their education. They will remember this moment for a long time to come.”

The Great Green Give was an inspiring success for the entirety of the George School community, and shows the enduring impact of school spirit and support. Thank you to everyone who showed their GS love by making gifts to the George School Fund.

“Every gift matters and together we can accomplish great things for the school we love,” said Doug. “Every student and every teacher will benefit from this effort.”