Giving at Friends'
Friends’ Together 2019 - Impact Report
Annual Giving is a time when the Friends’ community comes together to raise funds for vital programs and projects that have immediate outcomes and benefits for students. During 2019, 146 generous community members donated $41,917.31. We thank each and every person for their care and concern for the students of The Friends’ School.
From our total funds raised, $33,201.00 was raised for The Friends’ Fellowship. Established in 2018, and funded entirely by community donations, The Friends’ Fellowship provides financial assistance to families who can least afford a Friends’ education, and who will benefit greatly from attending the School.
Recipients do not sit an exam, rather they demonstrate their commitment to academic achievement, service, community and the values of the School through a written application, interview and references from teachers and community members. We welcome our 2019 recipient to the Friends’ learning community and thank our donors for making this opportunity possible.
You can read more about The Friends’ Fellowship on our website at Scholarships & Bursaries (scroll down to the see the List of Scholarships & Bursaries).
$5,259.40 was raised for the Library Fund to fund vital online resources and e-catalogue subscriptions - resources that are more important than ever for our students in these days of Distance Learning. We thank our Library supporters for continuing to value the role of libraries in our School, and all they have to offer.
Lastly, $3,456.91 was raised as a contribution towards the Morris Undercover Walkways providing much needed shelter for students, staff and families walking from Wells to the Library. A Development Application has now been submitted and we will keep you updated about the progress of the Walkway as the project progresses.
2020 Impact of Giving Report - have we got your email?
The Impact of Giving Report is a way the School can share with our community the difference your gifts are making to students at Friends’. Through information and transparency we can acknowledge our community’s generosity, demonstrate the impact your gifts make to student growth and educational outcomes and develop a partnership of trust.
The inaugural Impact of Giving Report will be distributed as a digital publication in May. At the same time, we recognise that many community members only have postal contacts, or prefer printed documents. If you know someone who would appreciate a printed copy posted to them please let us know by phone 6210 2200 or email.
Friends’ Together 2019 Thank You Event - Postponed
Unfortunately, our thank you event for 2019 supporters has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures. We look forward to hosting supporters once it is safe to do so. It will be an important opportunity to reconnect in person and thank our community for their care and concern for students at Friends’.
A generous gift for ‘all that Friends’ did for me’
Neil Roberts (1966) and wife Liz Roberts
Community member Neil Roberts (1966) and his wife Liz Roberts visited the School in February to share with us their intention to donate $20,000 over two years to The Friends’ Fellowship program. Neil and Liz live in Victoria, retired winery owners, but maintain their connection to Tasmania and their community through regular visits to the State.
“The Friends Fellowship is assessed on attitude, potential and values and provides an opportunity for a committed student to access, and benefit from, a Friends’ education. That’s something we wanted to support out of gratitude for what the School gave Neil.” Neil & Liz Roberts
A thoughtful gift in honour of Penelope Ann Sambell (nee Baugh) (1952)
In March, Andrew Sambell contacted the School from Texas, USA, to pledge $1,000 to The Friends’ Fellowship in honour of his mother, Penny, who passed away in early February. Whilst Andrew was born and raised in Texas, with no immediate connection to Friends’, he was touched by his mother’s strong connection with the values of the School exemplified through her embodiment of “service before self”.
As a teacher and active member of her own community, Penny worked with her husband Ken to change the racial inequities that existed in the South in the 60`s by raising money for early school programs in underserved areas of Arlington. Andrew felt supporting The Friends’ Fellowship was a fitting tribute to his mother’s life.
“I think The Friends School had a huge impact on her life. This picture was taken December 24 2019. She was so happy we were all at the house for dinner. I think the necklace she wore was a Friends’ necklace. It’s very fitting. I am donating to the scholarship fund in her honour.” Andrew Sambell.
Giving at Friends’ - Enquiries
The Friends’ School appreciates the care, concern and support shown by our community since the School was established in 1887. Founded in philanthropy and operating as a not-for-profit organisation, donations contribute to programs and projects that directly benefit students and are outside the operational budget of the School. Community members are welcome to view the School’s Financial Statements at the ACNC website here.
If you would like to have a confidential conversation about the giving programs at Friends’, or how you would like to make an impact, please contact Lucy Loney, Development Manager.