October 6, 2008
Dear Friends,

It is with great excitement that I write this letter inviting you all to join me in this year’s Annual Giving Campaign.

As a parent of three children who are currently in the Kinderhaus, First, and Second grades, our family, perhaps like yours, has been gifted with many rich experiences. I remember our first Michelmas. At the time, our children were too young to be in the school pageant but we were on campus to watch the children in 2nd thru 8th grades acting out the story of Michael, the Angel Warrior, on his horse defeating the dragon and saving the princess. This year, our second grader participated in the pageant that depicts the struggles we all face in defeating the beasts within us.

And after, we all shared a beautiful harvest meal that each child had a hand in making. This year, we had the added treat of potatoes and carrots from the school garden, harvested by the 4th graders, to add to the stew.

What I love most about this festival is that although Michaelmas is about the inner activity of the soul to overcome anxiety and fear, it is equally about community. St. George did not defeat that dragon by himself. It was Michael who assisted him in finding strength and wisdom. During harvest time, communities come together to pull the food from the soil, to prepare it for winter, and to cook meals to share. It is the bond of many that keeps the bundle from breaking. At each of the festivals that we celebrate together, there is a strong sense of support, love, and respect of spirit. And now, in our fifth year with the school, I can see that this bond is born out of the respect and love we hold in our hearts, all year round.

To every community, there is a culture. I believe that ours is one of giving. We each have time, treasure, and talent to share. There is a place and a time to apply each gift, and each is an opportunity to find a sense of purpose in our community. Time is always given, and multitudes of talents are brought forth every year. The time has come to bring forth our treasure and apply this gift to the financial realm in support of the hub of our community: the school.

The expense of educating each full-time student is $11,717. We are able to keep our tuition much lower because of the generous donations from our immediate and larger community. In fact, gifts and donations are budgeted to make up 25% of our annual budget. This could not be done if it were not for the rich history of our school’s culture of giving. Just as a bundle of reeds is stronger than any individual reed, our contributed dollars add up when everyone gives. With 100% giving, our combined dollars add up from a single dollar to thousands. Whether a contribution is $5 or $500, together they add up. This is what matters. The combined total, the strength manifested from unity.

Thank you all for everything you each bring to our wonderful community. It is a great honor to be a part of this community rooted in our deep culture of giving.

Warmly,
Jen Roeser, Board Member