Ravens from across the school community and beyond got behind the March 14 Day of Giving, surpassing the goal of 300 gifts and raising more than $125,000 for the Fund For Ravenscroft.

The special day of giving — Ravenscroft’s first in nearly a decade — was dedicated to celebrating Head of School Doreen Kelly’s 21-year tenure. Participants were encouraged to give a gift in any amount to benefit the school’s annual fund, which provides resources in support of faculty excellence, access to academic programs and student wellness.

Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement Ben Rein announced that a total of 301 gifts totaling $126,250 were received during the Day of Giving window. 

“A special thank-you goes out to the individuals and families whose leadership and generosity created the $50,000 in additional challenges,” he wrote. “Our gratitude goes out as well to our Fund For Ravenscroft volunteers who gave time out of their day to help with thank-you notes and support.” 

Kelly — who will be celebrated in person by the school community during RavenFest on April 19 and by alumni during Alumni Weekend, May 3-4 — noted her own appreciation for the outpouring of generosity as well.

“Thank you for celebrating my last year by making our first Day of Giving in a decade such a success!” she said. “The Fund For Ravenscroft is our school’s most significant philanthropic priority. Your gifts allow us to realize and live our mission each and every day!”

Parents who give their support to the Fund For Ravenscroft as volunteers and donors said they’re thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to an institution that has given their families so much.

“Ravenscroft has always met my children where they are and provided them with the nurturing, supportive environment they needed to thrive,” Michelle Gomez, parent to one alum and one student, said. 

New Ravenscroft parent Kim Roth said that her decision to get involved this year was an easy one. “Ravenscroft is such an amazing institution,” she said. “I am overwhelmed with the amazing students, talented faculty and staff, and close-knit community that have welcomed us with open arms this year, our first year.” 

“My family and I are blessed, and we believe that dedicating our time to causes and communities we are passionate about is the best way to live,” alum and current parent Lauren Towns Carlton ’08 said. “Ravenscroft played a significant role in nurturing and shaping me into the person I am today; and I am delighted to give back to the current community of students, hoping it will have the same positive impact on them as it did on me.” 

The success of the Day of Giving has energized Rein and his team as they continue to build on the school’s culture of philanthropy, he said. 

“To everyone who participated, thank you for your generous support,” he concluded. “We look forward to doing it again next year!”