Leadership Giving for the Annual Fund
The story of GAC is truly the story of God taking a group of ordinary people with not much more than a dream and using them to build an extraordinary house more wonderful than their dreams. Jesse Long about the early days of philanthropy
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:7
Our families’ commitment and love for “God’s school” built the GAC you see today, where unparalleled academic opportunity intersects with a deep and abiding sense of God’s goodness and grace.
GAC’s first President, Jesse Long, was appointed in 1963 to accomplish a daunting task: raise
sufficient funds to open a hoped-for Christian school in Atlanta. God blessed his efforts and those of a
committed group of leaders, enabling them to raise $400,000 from 1,400 families. In December 1967,
they broke ground for a new Christian school–Jesse called it “God’s school”–on what was then a rural Atlanta road. Jesse served GAC for 38 years as
President, becoming Chancellor in 1998. The naming of this leadership giving society honors his tireless and longstanding commitment to our school.
We give because we believe in GAC’s mission and vision and want to do what we can to help the school continue to fulfill both. Our children are receiving something far greater than any dollar amount we could give, but this is one way to show our appreciation. And while the Jesse Long Society benefits are definitely nice and appreciated, if they were to go away tomorrow, we would still give at the same level; that’s how much we love GAC. Nate and Tonya Henry, GAC parents
ABOUT THE JESSE LONG SOCIETY
The Jesse Long Society, established
in 2009, recognizes those individuals
who support the GAC Annual Fund
with leadership-level gifts that set the pace for giving at the school. These
gifts set an example of generosity for our entire community and are vitally important for ensuring that GAC continues to offer high-quality programs and life-changing
opportunities for every single student. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and generosity
demonstrated by the Jesse Long Society donors.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
From GAC’s purposeful beginnings 50 years ago
to our thriving community today, countless supporters –faculty, parents,
grandparents, and friends– have generously bridged the gap between what
tuition covers and the actual cost of a GAC education.
To know you are contributing to the continuing legacy of GAC is a wonderful feeling. Our family considers it a privilege to gather with other like-minded families in the Jesse Long Society to help secure the future of our school. We follow in the footsteps of those who have greatly sacrificed for something they believed in so strongly. The selfless and sacrificial giving of families in the early days of GAC has made all the difference in the lives of our children. Jim and Mary Rose, GAC parents
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS More than a recognition society, Jesse Long Society donors provide a lasting legacy for GAC. As a Jesse Long Society Member, you will receive: Benefactor’s Circle Members
RECOGNITION LEVELS The Jesse Long Society recognizes all donors who annually contribute a
tax-deductible charitable gift of $2,500 or more to Greater Atlanta Christian School’s
• All Access Pass for entry to all home, regular season athletic events
• Two seats in our reserved section for regular season home football
Annual Fund. Matching gifts count as part of an individual’s donation.
Benefactor’s Circle
$10,000 and above
Founder’s Circle
$5,000 - $9,999
Wisdom & Stature Circle
$2,500 - $4,999
and Fine Arts programs
games, including one parking pass per game (tickets and parking passes are non-transferable)
• Plus all benefits of Founders Circle
Founder’s Circle Members
• Opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets to the Spring Musical
• Mid-school year “State of GAC” breakfast and discussion with
• Plus all benefits of Wisdom & Stature Circle
before the general public Dr. Scott Harsh
Wisdom & Stature Circle Members
• Invitation to the annual “Thanks-for-giving” Appreciation Breakfast • Breakfast with your student’s principal
One of the best events I attended last year was “Breakfast with the Principal”. This event, sponsored by the GAC Advancement Office, allowed Jesse Long Society donors to listen to the passion and the heart of GAC’s High School Principal Shane Woodward. I’ve heard many speeches over the years from various school administrators but Principal Woodward’s speech spoke volumes to me. His passion, energy, and determination to be an integral part of our student’s lives made me realize how blessed we were to be at GAC. Mr. Woodward shared his personal faith and how he wants to impact our children’s lives before they go out and impact the lives of others. Susan H., GAC parent
We are deeply grateful for the leadership and generosity
demonstrated by our Jesse Long Society donors. We invite you to be a part of their ongoing mission.
WAYS TO GIVE Online
Use our online giving form to make your pledge or donation www.greateratlantachristian.org/page/giving/jesse-long-society Check
Checks made payable to GACS can be mailed to 1575 Indian Trail Road, Norcross, GA 30093, Attention: GAC Advancement Office. Stocks
You can donate appreciated stocks as payment of your
Annual Fund pledge. With this, you will not have to pay a
capital gains tax when transferring (not selling) those stocks.
For more information please contact: Heni Jordan
Leadership & Planned Giving
770-243-2209 / hjordan@greateratlantachristian.org Tina Bullard
Annual Fund & Georgia GOAL
770-243-2207 / tbullard@greateratlantachristian.org GAC Advancement Office
1575 Indian Trail Road | Norcross, GA 30093
www.greateratlantachristian.org/jesse-long-society