DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Outpouring of Community Support Propels Brimmer through a Year Like No Other

By Elizabeth Smith, Director of Development

Reflecting on the 2020-2021 school year, it is hard not to be completely amazed by what our teachers and administrators have accomplished. The Brimmer mission is alive and well, and though we have faced many challenges in order to keep our students and faculty safe, we have succeeded in offering what has been a primarily in-person experience. It has been especially gratifying to work on moving the School forward with significant progress on our Strategic Priorities 2020 & Beyond (see Head of School Judy Guild’s overview on pages 14-15).

I am thrilled that of this writing in March, we have already raised more than one million dollars for the 2020-2021 Annual Fund and are on our way to a record-breaking fundraising year. We are humbled by the high levels of parent and alumni support and couldn’t be more grateful to our community for stepping up when the need arose. This extraordinary year carried with it many additional expenses needed to comply with CDC guidelines and keep Brimmer safe. As we edge towards an Annual Fund well over $1 million, it is a testament to the strength and generosity of the Brimmer community and the forward-facing orientation of this institution.

The Annual Fund helps us to attract and retain the very best faculty; create state-of-the-art classrooms for an innovative learning environment; offer a well-rounded blend of academics, performing and visual arts, and physical education; and create a strong, diverse community of learners through generous financial aid. A strong Annual Fund speaks volumes for the Brimmer experience and guarantees continued excellence for today’s students. Remember, you have until June 30th to make a contribution to the Annual Fund—all gifts count and all gifts matter.

In other news, we are reimagining parent and alumni events this spring. We are looking forward to a Virtual “Green & White” Auction and online bidding experience culminating on Saturday, April 24th, with a live event. Proceeds will benefit student financial aid and DEI initiatives.

A reimagined Alumni Day is coming up on Saturday, May 15th, with special class “cluster” reunions for those classes ending in “0” and “5” and “1” and “6”—a unique opportunity to connect with the class above you or below you. The 50th Reunion events will be scheduled for both the Class of 1970 and the Class of 1971. Imagine seeing your Brimmer schoolmates together after all of these years! Alumni Day activities, including a special State of the School address by Head of School Judy Guild and virtual tours of the School by our students, are available to all.

We have been working hard to communicate regularly with our alumni during this extraordinary year and they have returned the favor by engaging with us on virtual forums and events. Thank you to the many of you who have expressed a great deal of pride in your alma mater this year. We look forward to future in-person Alumni Days in 2022 and beyond. ■