March 2008

This is the first in what I hope will be a monthly or bi-monthly update from your very own Hilltop Montessori School Capital Campaign, which we have titled "Envision the Future" because our community is certainly doing just that for our amazing children. Many of you know exactly where we are in the process of securing our new home because you have attended the community meetings, the architectural charrette, one of the dinner parties we have held this winter, or all three! There has been no shortage of ways to become involved in this community-wide effort. One part of the process less visible to date, however, is the workings of the Capital Campaign. This isn't because the CC Committee hasn't been busy (gosh no!), but simply because we are in the throes of what is called the quiet phase of the Campaign (shhh…).

 

I have never headed up a Capital Campaign in any of my prior lives, and certainly not one to raise several million dollars, so it has been a steep ascent for me (try rocket-route). But under the seasoned guidance of Glenn Boynton, our Capital Campaign Consultant extraordinaire, the entire committee (Leland, Tonia, Kevin and Allan) and I have learned a whole lot in a short time. We learned that for any campaign to be successful it needs to be kicked off with significant lead gifts from a handful of donors that enable us to say "Yes, we can do this!" before we reach out to the broader community. I am happy to report that we do possess such types of generous donors in our extended community, and good headway is being made to secure their leadership. Once the design, permitting, and site acquisition process come to pass (midsummer) the Capital Campaign will open out to the greater HMS community. In the meantime, I will be sure to keep you updated on our progress. As always, feel free to tag me in the hallway to check in.

As part of the CC process I have had the privilege of attending the dinners with our parent body this winter and found out firsthand what a group of great parents we have at Hilltop. (I should have figured out that those terrific children must have come from some fine stock). We are holding our last dinner on March 8th and by then each parent will have been invited to come and hear all about the adventure of this impending move, and how the process is transpiring. Please join us March 8th if you have not already been to a dinner party. I can promise you good food, ice cream sundaes (!) and great conversation!

Each and every one of us has a role to play as a participant in Hilltop's growth, be it as a giver, as knowing someone who has the capacity to be a giver, or as a provider of gifts–in–kind.

We are all joining hands in this huge effort. Your questions, input, and involvement are always needed and welcome.

Melany Kahn
Capital Campaign Chairperson