Dear Members of the GFA Community,
At every turn during these past few months, I have been reminded of how much the GFA community means to students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni. I am touched by the outpouring of affection for the school and the countless acts of grace and generosity our community has demonstrated during this crisis. In typical GFA fashion, many of you have stepped forward to ask, "How can we help?"
The Exceptional Class of 2020 At the front of the line are the remarkable members of the Class of 2020, a deeply loyal and resilient bunch whose senior spring has not materialized in the way anyone would have hoped. They love GFA — and we love them back.
By dedicating most of their class gift to the GFA COVID-19 Relief Fund, recently established to support GFA families experiencing significant financial hardship due to the pandemic, the Class of 2020 has set a powerful example. Should you wish to join them in supporting this special initiative, you can find more information on the fund here. Tax-deductible donations to this fund will help ensure that our GFA community remains intact.
An Extraordinary Challenge Gift Inspired by the Class of 2020 and keenly aware of the need for ongoing philanthropic support, anonymous donors have stepped forward in an extraordinary way. I am proud to announce a $100,000 matching gift challenge. These philanthropists have agreed to match every gift to the GFA COVID-19 Relief Fund or the Annual Fund, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. Our fundraising volunteers and staff will be reaching out in the next few weeks. If you are in a position to support one or both of these funds with a gift at any level, we ask that you consider doing so. Details on these funds as well as information on ways to give may be found on our website.
We are grateful for the philanthropic support of community members, past and present, that has enabled us to respond to the crisis. The cornerstone of our fundraising efforts is the Annual Fund, which accounts for 6% of the school's operating budget. While the economic downturn has understandably slowed the flow of gifts, the role of philanthropy — particularly through the support of the Annual Fund — has never been more critical to sustaining GFA, our faculty and staff, and our families.
The GFA Food Drive — May 30 Motivated by the desire to continue their important work in this time of crisis, the student leaders of the GFA Community Service Club have organized an on-campus food drive (with all the appropriate safeguards) to benefit local organizations that the school's community service program has partnered with over the years. The event will take place on Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m.–noon as a drive-thru drop-off, with student volunteers removing the supplies from your vehicle and loading the vans for delivery. Grocery cards and cash donations are also welcome. Additional reminders will follow about this special event. For now, please mark your calendar.
We are a strong and resilient community, and we will weather this moment with the creativity, dedication, and compassion that are the hallmarks of GFA.
Thank you for all that you do for GFA. Please stay safe and be well. Bob Whelan P '24 Head of School Greens Farms Academy | 35 Beachside Avenue | Westport, CT 06880 |