by Thetu Kishoiyian (Parent of New Gate School, fundraising committee member)
A little over a month ago, Tim Seldin our Head of School and President of The Montessori Foundation shared the “Friends of Montessori” Fundraising program with the parents at our April community meeting. I approached Tim following the meeting stating that I could get a couple of parents together to form a parent committee for the fundraiser.
Our First Step
At our first committee meeting we were briefed by Guenther Edelsbacher, founder of the fundraiser, how the program works. We were informed that twenty businesses were already in the database at that time. We determined that if we were going to attract people in our community to use and purchase this card we would need a considerable number of businesses. So the goal was fifty (50) businesses in two weeks, which we met easily I’m proud to say.
Our Experience with our Local Businesses
Most businesses responded very positive. It was interesting that many business owners or general managers already knew our Montessori school, and those who didn't, got informed who we are. It’s really a WIN..WIN…WIN as Lori Cutler one of our committee members puts it. We get the great deals, the businesses get more customers and the school profits from the cards sold. It’s that simple!
What is Friends of Montessori
- It is similar to a Club Card or an Entertainment book and has the size of a credit card.
- It’s a fundraising program for the school in which we are able to raise quite an amount of money: The card sells for $25 and we as the school keep $20.
- It is an opportunity to support local commerce.
- There is an additional educational component: An Entrepreneurial Leadership curriculum that will lead our students through the course of how businesses are run.
- A wonderful way to share information about our school.
- To promote the Montessori approach to Education.
- Montessori schools around the world can implement the fundraiser and form a global Montessori community.
Our Next Step
Our goal is to enroll 200 businesses by the start of school this fall. Would you help us? Advertising at this point is free. If you know anyone who owns a business please contact us or visit the website and click on “List your Business”. It’s quite simple.
Our second goal is to sell 500 cards by the start of school. Would you help us? If you have a business consider getting cards for your employees. The card is a good “thank you” or “Birthday” gift or even a seasonal "Thinking about you" gift.
For more information about Friends of Montessori or to purchase cards contact Friends of Montessori at email or go to the website Friends of Montessori
