The National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) is pleased to announce that member schools and friends have made gifts and pledges to its 50th Anniversary Gathering Fund campaign exceeding $950,000. As announced at the NAES Biennial Conference in November 2014, reaching this target now unlocks a special challenge gift of over $72,000 pledged by a group of 15 member schools.
Initially, it was hoped that the $950,000 mark would be reached at NAES’ 50th birthday on May 28, 2015. “We are thrilled to have progressed so far so quickly,” said the Rev. Daniel R. Heischman, NAES Executive Director. “The gathering of schools, individuals, church-related organizations, and foundations has been widespread and abundant, and we cannot thank them enough for being a part of this substantial and generous mosaic.”
Mr. Heischman went on to say, “One thing that has become clear to us is that there are many individuals and institutions that still want to be a part of this commemorative effort. The unique mixture of programs to be supported and the opportunity to make the most of this milestone encourage us to continue seeking contributions to this campaign in the three months remaining in our anniversary year. It is not a time to rest on our accomplishments, but to build on the positive response in the hope that we can bring together as many individuals and groups as possible in this effort.”
Founded in 1965, the National Association of Episcopal Schools serves those who serve the nearly 1,200 schools, early childhood education programs, and school establishment efforts throughout The Episcopal Church. Gifts to the 50th Anniversary Gathering Fund campaign will help support its work assisting the Episcopal Urban School Alliance, Haiti partnerships, and schools in financial need and in the areas of Episcopal school chaplaincy development and school leadership and governance.
Celebrating this legacy and looking toward a thriving future, supporters are invited to join the 50th anniversary celebrations by:
- Making a special contribution to one of the three 50th Anniversary Gathering Funds: Jubilee School Fund; Endowment for Chaplaincy Development; and The Rev. Peter G. Cheney Fund for Leadership and Governance.
- Following and participating in 50 Days to 50 Years, a social media event April 9-May 28, 2015 on Twitter and Facebook, using #naes50th.
- Celebrating with NAES at the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church in Salt Lake City, June 25-July 3, 2015.
Information about the 50th Anniversary Gathering Fund campaign is available at www.episcopalschools.org/support-our-work/50th-anniversary-gathering-fund.
For more information about the NAES 50th anniversary, please visit www.episcopalschools.org/about-naes/our-50th-anniversary.