YOUR ADVANCEMENT TEAM
Advancement is the act of getting ahead, of progressing, of moving a vision forward.
Kylee Wilson Director of Development
Elaine Crebo Director of International Admissions
Our team is focused on community and campus development, fundraising, marketing and communications, and admissions (both local and international).
Jen Dreger Development and Events Officer
Erin Jones Director of Marketing and Communications
Christina Ullyot Director of Admissions
Amanda Johnson Advancement Coordinator
IT’S ABOUT ALL OF US
Your gifts make a powerful impact on our school and allow us to offer our students unparalleled opportunities. With your partnership, we have built amazing facilities and filled those facilities with teachers, resources, and technology of the highest quality.
Thank you so much for being part of the Aberdeen Hall community and for enriching the education of each and every student here. Your generosity is truly something to celebrate and we are excited to share how philanthropy has touched the lives of our students.
If these halls could talk… they would sing with the stories of how giving has made us the school that we are today!
TOTAL FUNDS RAISED IN 2023/2024
$1,302,041.98*
*July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
YOUR IMPACT
Thanks to our donor community, we were able to invest in many exciting areas of our campus and programming.
Campus Development
Gym floors and open doors! We cut the ribbon and officially welcomed our community to the Athletics and Wellness Centre. We were so excited to gather as an entire school for the first time at our all whole-school assembly in April. Since opening our doors, we have held numerous basketball and volleyball tournaments, hosted our first keynote speaker Jessica Campbell (the NHLs first female assistant coach), and enjoyed an incredible school musical.
Professional Development
Faculty took part in the AIM French Fall Institute Conference (we even got to host a workshop at our school!). What’s AIM? It’s a teaching methodology known as the Accelerative Integrated Method and uses gestures, music, dance, and theater to help students learn a foreign language.
Financial Aid
Aberdeen Hall provides tuition relief to approximately 10% of our student population. Assistance generally ranges from 10%-50% and is reviewed on a case by case basis each year, supporting families and students who may otherwise not be able to attend Aberdeen Hall.
Student Opportunities
Aberdeen Hall aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills and experience to become healthy, resilient, and contributing young adults. This year, we were privileged to be able to send a group of Senior School students to the B.C. Student Leadership Conference in October 2023. The conference supports students with self-empowerment and helps establish goal-setting practices, aiding them to become leaders in their communities.
YOUR STORIES
The Development Team recently had the pleasure of catching up with members of our donor community to explore the heart of their generosity and commitment to our school’s fundraising initiatives. These conversations revealed the deep connections and shared values that inspire their ongoing support. Whether it’s a desire to enhance educational opportunities, invest in the future of students, or give back to a community that has meant so much to them, each donor shared a unique story of why they give. Their insights offer a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can achieve when we come together for a common cause.
Generational Giving
Celine and Paul Cluff have been parents of the Aberdeen Hall community since their son, Oskar, joined the school as a preschooler and is now a thriving fourth grader. Lucy, the Cluff’s youngest child, is a new face in the Early Learning Centre as of this September, which has been an exciting time for the family. Through newsletters, videos, grandparent events and phone calls, Celine has been able to share the Aberdeen experience with her own mother, Nicola, who resides in Germany. Soon after, the entire family was interested in becoming more involved with the school.
Both Celine and Nicola are united in their belief in the power of school fundraising to make a lasting impact. Both see it as an essential way to provide students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Celine supports fundraising to ensure her children receive the best education possible, while Nicola views it as a way to give back and strengthen the future of
the school community for generations to come. Together, they represent the spirit of family-driven philanthropy, showing how fundraising bridges the past, present, and future.
What inspired you to get involved in giving to Aberdeen Hall?
Celine: Philanthropy is a medium for shared experience and connecting with the community on a deeper level. One of my favorite things about living in Kelowna is the ability to feel close to my community, and the school plays a big role in that. Enhancing (or elevating) the environment around you through a personal contribution such as volunteering, fundraising, or donating, always seems like the right thing to do.
What message would you like to share with other families considering supporting Aberdeen Hall?
Celine: Supporting a cause through a monetary contribution is very personal.
Raising children is very personal. Hence, I would describe the two experiences as complementing each other. At the end of the day, we try to do our best, yet we can only hope that our offering has the desired impact. Aberdeen Hall’s level of attentiveness towards the wellbeing of the students and the staff, makes me feel very good about the decision to give.
What does it mean to you, as a grandparent, to contribute to initiatives that support students?
Nicola: Children are future communities. It is important for them to grow up in a safe and sound environment, in order to be able to forge their own lives to the best of their abilities. This is more likely to happen if they have a solid foundation of care and knowledge. I found that the principles of Aberdeen Hall contribute significantly to this cause, by providing exceptional care and knowledge for their students … including my grandchildren.
YOUR STORIES [CONT.]
Empowering Innovation
Steven Dyck and his wife Callie Craven, parents to Julian and Hudson, moved to Kelowna from Lethbridge, Alberta in the summer of 2022 and immediately embraced the school’s vision for the future. They decided to support a major fundraising initiative called the Design Studio, a state-of-the-art STEM lab aimed at fostering innovation and hands-on learning. Their contribution reflects their belief in the importance of STEM education and their desire to be active participants in creating enriching opportunities for all students at the school. How did your family decide to support the campaign?
Over the last 20 years, many families have made significant commitments to building
the campus that we enjoy today. For that we are truly grateful. As an Aberdeen Hall family, we knew we wanted to make our own investment in the future development of Aberdeen Hall students. Although there were opportunities in AWC, we were drawn to the case for a new state of the art design studio that gave students, ours included, the opportunity to fully embrace STEM, and to bring their ideas and creativity to life.
We don’t truly understand the impact and importance AI technology and STEM will have on our children and their careers in the future, but what we do know is that it is changing the way we live, learn and work at a pace that we can hardly digest.
The learning piece, however, doesn’t come without the commitment, dedication and
enthusiasm of the faculty and they have been truly inspiring. The early reports show that student engagement to date is strong, both during class and outside classroom hours. We have certainly seen this with our boys, who finds themselves in there often!
Why the Design Studio? What resonated with you about the space and programming?
As we toured the studio from the early stages, we were impressed with the vision, dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm the faculty had for this learning studio. It immediately appealed to us as this space provides the opportunity for students of
all ages to explore, imagine and create, pushing their limits through STEM. We also saw the huge potential for this space to continue to grow and evolve over time, and the importance that our children have the opportunity to learn in different ways.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the highlighted donors for their generous gifts and for sharing their inspiring stories with our community. Their contributions and encouraging words not only help shape the future of our school, but motivate others to join in and support our mission. By sharing their passion and belief in the power of giving, they remind us all of the meaningful differences we can make together.
A LASTING LEGACY
As a young school, we have a small but very special group of Alumni families, many of whom stay connected to Aberdeen Hall long after graduation by attending our gala, alumni basketball games, and community events. Many alumni families also continue to donate to the school to ensure that today’s students are given the same opportunities and experiences that their children received.
Last year, the Burton Yanovsky Family donated Aberdeen Hall’s first endowment gift. This gift was made to honour the memory of their son, graduate Zach Burton, who passed away in 2022.
Zach thrived at the school, especially when performing. Students and teachers knew Zach for his musical prowess, quick wit, boundless energy and booming voice. Zach’s love of music was profoundly nurtured by the Aberdeen Music Program. He learned to play the guitar, compose, and collaborate, and had many opportunities to share his performance gifts.
The Burton Yanovskys “believe the arts are essential to a student’s creative and personal development.” It is for this reason that their endowment gift will support the
The Family’s connection to the school began when Zach was young and not flourishing in his educational environment. They did some investigating of independent options and learned about Aberdeen Hall. “We were drawn to Aberdeen’s commitment to a well-rounded program of academics, arts, sports, and character development. We decided this was the school for Zach.”
Performing Arts Program in perpetuity. This fund will provide financial assistance to deserving students who couldn’t otherwise afford an Aberdeen Hall education.
“We are grateful for Zach’s rich and meaningful experiences at Aberdeen and the relationships he developed there. The Aberdeen campus is a beautiful place with exceptional facilities. But at its core, it’s the people that make Aberdeen Hall special. The teachers, support staff, and administration are united in providing an exceptional education in a caring community environment.”
“Zach’s six years at Aberdeen Hall were outstanding. We are grateful for the opportunity to honour Zach’s memory and help other students have the same wonderful experience.”
RIBBON CUTTING
We also cut the ribbon and celebrated several new named areas of the campus:
Glavey Cafe
Thank you to the Glavey Family for supporting the staff and faculty open concept staff room located in Holzhey Hall.
Design Studio
Thank you to Steven Dyck and Callie Craven for supporting the opening of our new innovative STEM classroom located in the Hanlon Senior School.
Ainsworth Fitness Studio
Thank you to the Ainsworth Family for supporting the fitness studio, an integral part of the Athletics and Wellness Centre.
GIVING TUESDAY
What is Giving Tuesday? Giving
Tuesday is a global movement for giving, taking place each year after Black Friday. Sometimes called the “opening day of the giving season,” it is a time when charities, companies and individuals join together to support favorite causes. In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for Giving Tuesday.
On November 28, 2023, students of Aberdeen Hall with celebratory signs danced alongside the school’s mascot Gryph while the cheerleading squad greeted cars into the roundabout. The “Donation Stations” manned by the Business Office and Advancement teams welcomed gifts toward the Annual Fund. Over $50,000 was raised through Giving Tuesday efforts and the team at Aberdeen
Hall could not be more proud of the generosity and spirit of the community!
“As a parent, giving is incredibly important for me to model for my kids - I want them to see me helping where I can, because I want to raise them to do the same. As leaders at the school, it is our responsibility to guide our students into being contributing citizens. It is very special to be able to make an impact on the people we love so much - our kids.”
~ Kylee Wilson, Director of Development and mom to Emilia (Kindergarten)
PARTYING WITH A PURPOSE
The Unparalleled Gala, presented by Kelowna Infill Homes, held in May 2024 at 50th Parallel Estate in Lake Country, was a truly remarkable event, bringing together a passionate community of parents eager to make a difference. With an atmosphere of excitement and generosity, attendees enjoyed a night filled with purpose, participating in both live and silent auctions that raised significant funds for our school. Every donation, big or small, played a vital role in the evening’s success, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and fulfillment for contributing to such an impactful cause.
The night would not have been possible without the support of our generous sponsors.
A big thank you to to our Presenting Sponsor:
Leadership Sponsor Impact Sponsors
Inspire Sponsor Bespoke Sponsors
Printing & Signage Sponsor
TOTAL RAISED: $120,000
THANK YOU
WE ARE ALL GRYPHONS
We wish to showcase the special support shown to our school from July 2023-June 2024. This publication is our opportunity to celebrate the generosity of our donors and the impact of philanthropy in the Aberdeen Hall community.
Aanu & Michael Abayomi
Aaron & Jennifer Joe
Alisha & Eamonn Glavey
Alishah & Faiz Merchant
Alli McCabe
Alyson O’Connor
Amy Wiesenthal
Anastasia & John Mooney
Andrew Prior & Lesley
Hobden
Anluan Foundation
Annie Laity
Augusta Pacific Foundation
Barry P Lapointe
Benson & Linda Wong
Bradley & Kristin Copes
Braeden Callen &
Melissa Vogan
Brent Sharpe
Brent Therrien
Caliber Sport Systems
Callie Craven &
Steven Dyck
Cambridge & Company
Carey & Angela Price
Carson Foundation
Chicc Funding Trust
Chris & Lisa White
Christian Hill
Christina & Dane Ullyot
Christopher & Lindsay Grieve
Cindy Du & Hao Chen
Cindy Switzer
Connor Pilling
Cristina & Roman
Bertolutti
Crystal & James Carlson
Crystal Kolodziej
Daniel Zy Wang
Daphne O’Sullivan
David & Sandy Wiesenthal
David & Shannon Gordon
Denise & Michael Eakins
Derek Cutler
Devin Harris & Miho Ogi-Harris
Douglas & Louise Scott
Dr. Richard K.C. Leung Inc.
Elaine Crebo
Eli Sloane
Elya & Engin Coban
Erin & Dave Jones
Erin Drever & Joshua
Golden
Erin Shum Dew $ Gavin
Dew
Feifei Yang
Fine Drywall Ltd
Fortis
Geoff Bosdet
Gift Funds Canada
Grant Ozechowsky
Hao Ge & Louise Park
Hao-Jan Cho &
Helen Ruan
Heather Nolan Wood & Kevin Wood
Holly Corbett
Jaime Hill
Jas & Rajni Bagry
Jason & Kathy Harding
Jennifer Shaw
Jennifer St. Jean
Jeremy Lewis
Jessica Delaney & Robert Needham
Jessica Neathway
Jim & Nicole Clipperton
Jin Zhiran
John & Jessica Gareau
John & Tiffany Woodfield
Joshua Leamon & Trisha Vollhoffer
Judith & Marc Novakowski
Julie & Dan Dexter
Justin & Rebecca Bullock
Kateryna Milay & Oscar Payen
Kathryn & Garry Bibby-Fox
Kathryn Albright
Katia Oteman & Anand Rampersaud
Ken Mulleny
Kenneth Zorniak & Lasha Orzechowki
Kevin O’Shea & Pita Dhaliwal
Kristopher & Ashley
McLaughlin
Kyla & Timothy Kruger
Kylee & Mark Wilson
Lake Country Cycle
Laura & Robert Unger
Laura Hazeldine
Linda Liang & Kevin Zhang
Lindsay Beerstra
Lisa Marie & Justin Johnson
Lynae & Terry Igel
Madelaine Nichvalodoff
Mark & Samantha
Reineking
Mary Elizabeth Jung & Jonathan Little
Meghan Dunn
Michael Hooper
Millennium Protection Inc
Mitch Howanyk
Monica & Robert Penner
Montague Alves Family
Nathan Cutler
Nathaniel Teegee & Arlinda Banaj
Nicola Wealth
Private Giving
Paul Bienvenu
Qian & Bob Liu
Richard Holmes
Robyn Macdonald
Ryan White
Sandra & Maurice Blitz
Sarah & Kyle Frohaug
Schueler Group
Scott Betker & Brianna Hardwick
Shane and Michelle Drdul
Shari Tambasco
Shilo Sazwan & Andrea Barone
Sophie Lu & Jack Deng
Speros Ginis
& Kathleen Martin-Ginis
Stephen Acree
Taylor Verboom
Terrence Chan
The Aberdeen Hall
Parent Guild
Tiffani Weaver
Ting Zhou & Tu Guangyu
Tom Stinson
Tori and Matthew Hanson
Tracey and Daniel Allen
Tyler Bollhorn
UK Online Giving Foundation
Yixian & Amy Liu
Yuriko Larson
Michael Zuk & Ericka Blechingberg
Jade Monette
Carey & Angela Price
John & Tiffany Woodfield
James & Crystal Carlson
Speros Ginis
& Kathleen Martin-Ginis
Ken & Mary Louise Zorniak
Robert & Lisa Greenough
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our reporting. If you feel your name has been omitted in error or is listed incorrectly, please contact our office at kylee.wilson@aberdeenhall.com and we will amend our online version.
