What is the Spring Fundraiser?
The Spring Fundraiser is one of only two fundraising events the Hamlin Parents Association puts on each year, and your participation contributes much needed financial support to the Parents Association's annual gift to Hamlin. Not to mention it is one of our most fun events of the year and a great opportunity to connect with fellow Hamlin families!
The theme of our 2021 Spring Fundraiser is Calling All Superheroes! in recognition of the everyday superheroes who have risen to the challenge over the last year to keep our school and our communities safe and healthy. It will be a virtual event with fun for the whole family!
What activities will be part of the virtual evening event on March 26?
This year’s virtual event is for the whole family, and we’ll be sending home fun goodie bags to help our girls celebrate and embrace their inner superheroes! There may be an item or two for you as well, so be on the lookout.
We also invite you to order one of several drink kit options to enjoy during the event, featuring cocktail and mocktail options by Harper & Rye and/or wine by Saison Cellars. To purchase your kit (or to gift one to faculty/staff), please click on the ‘Drink Kits’ tab above. We have also partnered with several local restaurants with connections to Hamlin (i.e. owned by Hamlin parents/alumni/staff) to offer fun take-out meals for the evening. More info and a list of restaurants coming soon. *Please note that these food and beverage options are being offered as a fun option for families but are not part of the fundraiser. They are sold at retail price and do not benefit Hamlin, but it’s a great way to support local businesses.
Since we had so much fun playing games at the Fall Fundraiser, we figured we’d keep it up for the Spring one as well! During the actual event, we will be playing two rounds of TRIVIA! Families will participate as a unit and will play against each other as well as part of Red and Gold teams. Most questions will be general knowledge, but we’ll also have some Hamlin-specific questions so don’t forget to brush up on your Hamlin history!
Each family will need two wifi-connected devices to play: a laptop or tablet to watch and a smartphone or additional tablet to play. You’ll want to make sure they are fully charged before game time. We’ll share all the login details a day or two before the event. For now, get your thinking caps ready!
In between our Trivia rounds, we’ll have several opportunities for families to win some awesome raffle prizes! You must be present to win though, so make sure you tune in! (Trivia participation is not required.)
What opportunities are there to support the fundraiser?
Giving: In recognition of the many ways in which the 2020-2021 school year has been different, we are simplifying the ways in which you can support this important annual fundraising effort. As you may recall (and to clarify for our new families), we have offered opportunities for underwriting, ticket sales, Raise The Paddle, and auction purchases at past fundraisers. However, this year we are keeping it simple and asking you to make one general SUPER GIFT in support of our School and this event at a level that is most meaningful for your family. Our goal is to leave as much time as possible for games, silliness, and community connections during our live event. That means NO Raise the Paddle or auction during the evening, and possibly no fundraising at all if our goal is achieved (or exceeded) before the event! Please give early to help us meet our goal. Look for details on giving in an email on March 9.
Volunteering: We also need a few superhero volunteers to help assemble gift bags on Thursday, March 18 and to distribute drink kits on Wednesday, March 24. All activities will be socially distanced and follow Covid protocols. Click the 'Volunteer' tab above to browse available opportunities and sign up for a shift. Thank you for your support!
Unfortunately we will not host any Count Me Ins or Faculty All Stars this year due to the pandemic.
What does the fundraiser support? Do I need to give again if I already gave to the Annual Fund?
All funds raised from the Spring Fundraiser are included in the Parents Association’s annual gift to the school and are used during the current fiscal year to support our girls, our faculty and staff, and our program. While the Annual Fund does provide most of the support needed to fill the gap in our budget, the school also relies on the Parents Association annual gift to fully close the gap. Due to the significant amount of increased operating expenses related to the pandemic, this year’s fundraiser is more critical than ever. Our goal is to raise $400,000 towards our operating budget, with any contributions over that going to supporting the unexpected costs related to Covid-19. We encourage families who are able to participate to do so at whatever level is most appropriate and meaningful to them.
Please note that all funds raised during the Spring Fundraiser are separate from the Annual Fund and Love, Hamlin Capital Campaign.
Is my gift tax deductible? How much of my gift supports the school?
Yes, all gifts are fully tax-deductible! Thanks to a generous underwriting gift from a Hamlin family to cover all event-related expenses, 100% of your gift will go directly to Hamlin to support the operating expenses that make our program possible.
Sounds fun! What do I wear?
We encourage you to join us on-screen as your favorite fictional or everyday superhero, but it’s totally optional!
Still have questions or want to get involved? Please contact Lisa Wheeler at wheeler@hamlin.org. We look forward to hearing from you!