Our Friends and Supporters

All independent schools depend on the generosity of their parents, alumni, and other friends for their financial support. The Pine Brook School is fortunate to have a community of individuals who care deeply about the school and who believe in the value and quality of education that Pine Brook students are provided. Contributions of financial support generally fall into two categories: unrestricted gifts to the Annual Giving Campaign, and gifts restricted to a particular program or purpose.

Annual Giving

Groovin’ Time     The Annual Auction & Gala was held on April 29th at the Owenego Inn in Branford. Nearly 100 people attended the 1970s-themed event commemorating the school’s founding in 1972.     Thanks to the generous donations of local businesses and school families, 88 packages and 100 certificates were available for bid in the silent auction. Hand-crafted items by students in each class were the highlight of the live auction which was facilitated by Wightwood’s own Mod Squad; dressed in ‘70s fashion (think polyester!), Therese Eke, Sally Levy and Bruce Walker rallied the guests in bidding high.     Board President, Joan Faulkner, led the group in a paddle call to raise funds for new bridges to cross Pine Brook, and new PreK playground equipment.      Thanks to our Development Team, Kelli Filosa and Charles Frey, and a cadre of volunteers who helped to make the event a success. In all, $26,000 was netted to benefit the school.

Unrestricted contributions given and spent within the current fiscal year in support of the School’s operating budget.

The Annual Giving Campaign provides essential revenue to The Pine Brook School’s operating budget each year. After tuition, Annual Giving contributions are a large source of yearly income for the school. Gifts are unrestricted in nature so that the contributions can be used where they are most urgently needed. While Annual Giving contributions to The Pine Brook School support all facets of the school’s operations, our teachers and students are most directly benefited by an annual gift. (Typically, the largest area supported by the Annual Giving Campaign is faculty and staff salaries, benefits, and professional development, however Annual Giving also helps support academics, recreation, art programs and facilities maintenance.)

All members of The Pine Brook School community — trustees, parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and other friends—are asked to participate in making an annual gift each year. The Annual Giving Campaign’s success depends greatly on the generosity of our donors and those volunteers who participate in follow-up phone calling and/or make personal requests for gifts. We strive for 100% participation from all members of the school community and achieve gifts in the range of $10 to $10,000 and more.

Capital Giving

Single- or multi-year gifts given in addition to Annual Giving and designated to support specific goals, programs, and projects identified by the Board of Trustees.

Periodically, the Board will identify projects that improve and assure The Pine Brook School’s long-term health and academic vitality for which contributions are solicited.

For details on the ways of giving to Pine Brook, click here.