The Guide to Giving and Getting Involved
MEET THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
MAEGAN RUHLMAN CROSS ’03 Director of Development
CATHY STRAUSS Laurel Fund and Donor Relations Manager
JESSICA ALLEN Campaign Director
BETH GREEN Database Specialist
CLAUDIA LIEF ZALEVSKY ’98 Donor and Alumnae Engagement Manager
Hello, Laurel Community!
Welcome to the new school year. Whether you’re new or a returning member, we’re thrilled to have you with us. Your support and generosity are vital to the vibrant, enriching environment at Laurel thank you.
As Director of Development, I’m excited to share our “Guide to Giving and Getting Involved.” This guide offers information on how you can contribute and participate in our school’s life, from financial gifts and volunteer opportunities to attending events. Your involvement greatly impacts our students’ experiences.
Inside, you’ll find details on the Laurel Fund, volunteer opportunities, and special events for the year. Your engagement makes a significant difference, and we’re deeply grateful for your dedication.
We hope this guide helps you find meaningful ways to connect with the Laurel community. For any questions or more information, please contact our Development Office at 216.455.3024.
Thank you for being a valued part of the Laurel School family!
Maegan Ruhlman Cross ’03 Director of Development
How can I get involved?
ENGAGE: Connect with your child’s Laurel experience by interacting with their teachers, attending events and staying informed through school emails, weekly newsletters and updates. Visit our website at LaurelSchool.org or LaurelSchool.org/Calendar for more information.
VOLUNTEER: Join our thriving community of volunteers! Whether you have a few hours or more, there are many ways to get involved, such as through the Laurel School Parents Association (LSPA) or the Development and Admissions Offices.
DONATE: Support Laurel by contributing to the Laurel Fund, which is vital for the school’s success. Gifts can be unrestricted or designated for specific needs. Learn more about different opportunities and how annual giving supports our students on the next page.
What
is the Laurel Fund and why is it important?
The Laurel Fund is our annual campaign that supports essential operating expenses beyond tuition, helping to make Laurel exceptional. It helps fund faculty compensation, scholarships, Laurel’s Center for Research on Girls (LCRG), arts, athletics, DEIB, STEM, and more.
By contributing, you help us in our mission to inspire each girl to fulfill her promise and to better the world. Parent volunteers, with support from the Development Office, play a key role in encouraging community participation, as peer encouragement is highly effective. If you’re enthusiastic about supporting Laurel’s mission, please contact Cathy Strauss at 216.455.3024 to get involved.
How should you plan your annual gi giving?
Everyone’s schedule and finances are unique and your giving should fit what works best for you and your family. The Development Office is here to help you create a personalized giving plan to maximize your annual contribution. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss how we can best support your giving goals!
Whether you participate in all the events or just one, plan your giving in a way that aligns with your priorities. Below, you’ll find various opportunities throughout the year to support the Laurel Fund. We recommend a thoughtful approach to giving, allowing you to make a significant impact without feeling overwhelmed.
• October - Laurel Fund launch
• November - Family Challenge (for parents/guardians)
• December - End-of-calendar-year giving (tax purposes)
• March - Day of Giving
• May - Reunion Challenge (for alums)
• June - End-of-fiscal year, last chance to participate in the school year!
GIVING FAQS
What is an appropriate Laurel Fund contribution?
Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. We ask that you give a gift that is meaningful to you and your family. Donors find it helpful to know that a high percentage of participation from our constituencies (parents, alums, faculty/staff, etc.) often gives us the leverage to pursue transformational gifts from foundations and major donors.
When should I make my gi?
Laurel School’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. While early participation is encouraged, you can donate anytime. Funds raised are used each year. If you plan to give later in the fiscal year (winter or spring), consider making a pledge in the fall to count toward participation and competitions. Pledges must be fulfilled by June 30 each year.
If I made a gi between July and October, does it count towards the Family Challenge in November?
Yes! Any gift made after July 1 and prior to the Family Challenge counts towards participation—you do not need to make an additional gift. Please note that only gifts made by parents and guardians of students will be counted towards this particular challenge.
If I already made a Laurel Fund gi earlier in the fiscal year, do I need to make a gi on the Day of Giving to count as a Day of Giving participant?
Yes. Day of Giving is unique in that it is a one-day giving challenge for the entire Laurel community and only gifts made on this day can count towards our Day of Giving goal. It’s about participation and reaching a total number of donors for that particular day. Day of Giving gifts do count as part of your overall Laurel Fund gift for the year.
Which of the many opportunities and asks throughout the year should I participate in?
We suggest you focus on initiatives that are the most meaningful to you. For example, to participate in both November’s Family Challenge and our spring Day of Giving, consider splitting your donation or making a small second gift. Parent/guardian participation is key for the Family Challenge, but supporting the Day of Giving boosts our overall numbers and spreads awareness in the community. The Development Office is happy to work directly with you to craft a personal giving plan to best support your family-giving goals.
How can I take advantage of the Ohio Income Tax Credit and make a gi to the Laurel Fund through the Ohio Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO)?
By making your gift through this program, individuals will receive a tax credit of up to $750 on their Ohio income tax returns ($1,500 for married filing jointly). If your Ohio income tax obligation is equal to or greater than your gift amount, your donation costs you nothing extra! To make a gift through the OAIS website, go to OAIS.gosgo.co.
For more information, visit bit.ly/LaurelSchoolSGO.
Laurel charges tuition so why do we need the Laurel Fund?
Tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of a Laurel education. The Laurel Fund is our top fundraising priority because it has an immediate and direct impact. This practice is common among private educational institutions.
Why not simply raise tuition to cover the difference?
Supporting the Laurel Fund helps us deliver an exceptional experience while keeping tuition competitive. It enriches our community by promoting greater student diversity. Contributing to the Laurel Fund offers our community the opportunity to experience the personal fulfillment that comes from making a charitable contribution to an institution they love.
Does Laurel accept matching gis?
Yes! Double your impact with employer-matching gifts. Check if your company offers this perk, which also may apply to gifts from spouses and retirees.
Is my gi tax-deductible?
Yes. Gifts to the Laurel Fund are 100% tax-deductible. Any gift to the school (for which nothing is received in return) is tax deductible.
How does giving to the Laurel Fund differ from restricted giving?
The Laurel Fund supports current school operations. Restricted giving targets specific needs, such as building projects or named scholarships. Schools need both annual operational gifts and major capital support. Your generosity profoundly impacts our community.
GIVING FAQS continued from previous page
What is Laurel Is Where She Begins and why do capital campaigns exist?
Laurel Is Where She Begins is our capital campaign focused on providing Laurel girls with spaces and support for academic and personal growth. Phase I is complete (including the Tippit Gymnasium renovation and Galleria redesign), Phase II (Ruhlman Family Center) opens in 2025, and we’re now fundraising for Phase III to transform the North Wing’s science labs and Middle School spaces.
Will I be recognized for my gi to the Laurel Fund?
All giving is recognized in our Annual Report unless you request to be anonymous.
Ways to Give
Donor: $1- $99
Century Club: $100- $249
Courtyard Club: $250- $499
Green & White Club: $500- $1895
Prentiss Society: $1896+
Founder: $1,896- $2,499
Patron: $2,500- $4,999
Benefactor: $5,000- $9,999
Guardian: $10,000- $14,999
Investor: $15,000- $19,999
Shareholder: $20,000- $29,999
Torchbearer: $30,000+
Getting involved
MEET THE LSPA TEAM
President: Mara Cushwa - LSPA@LaurelSchool.org
President Elect: Katie Fox - katierad.fox@gmail.com
Recording Secretary: Amy Dolzine - amy@dolzine.com
Treasurer: Pam Provan Barragate - lspatreasurer@LaurelSchool.org
Fundraising Coordinator: Courtney Conway - courtneyanneconway@gmail.com
Gator Lane Coordinator: Jen Halapy - GatorLane@LaurelSchool.org
Division Coordinators
Early Childhood Coordinator: Christine Lee-Poturalski - cleepoturalski@gmail.com
Primary Lyman Coordinator: Katie Klimek - katieklimek@gmail.com
Primary Butler Coordinator: Christopher Ramos - ramos.45@gmail.com
Middle School Coordinator: Melissa Cooper - mtrillis@coopergrp.com
Upper School Coordinator: Erika Leiken - egfriedman@hotmail.com
Laurel School Parents Association (LSPA)
Do you want to get involved in your child’s life at school? Looking for a way to meet other parents? The LSPA is a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow parents in a fun and purposeful way. It also provides an excellent link between parents and the school’s administration.
What does the LSPA do?
For over 50 years, the LSPA has harnessed the time, talents, and resources of Laurel parents and guardians to benefit students. We improve parent-school communication, boost school spirit, assist with events, support programs, and celebrate faculty and staff. Our success relies on our dedicated volunteers, and we welcome your participation at any level that suits your schedule.
Please visit LaurelSchool.org/LSPA to sign up to volunteer as a room parent or for any of our committees or events for the 2024-25 school year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at LSPA@LaurelSchool.org.
Laurel School Parents Association
LSPA FUNDRAISING EVENTS
• School pictures • Lynch Creek wreath sale
• Used Uniform and Spirit Wear Sales • Double Good popcorn sale
• Gator Lane (school spiritwear store) • Restaurant week
• Dean’s Greenhouse mums sale
What types of activities does the LSPA support?
• Faculty & staff appreciation events throughout the year
• Division-based spirit events
• LCRG events, forums, and special guest speakers
• School jackets to all Ninth Grade students
• End-of-year and class parties
• Welcome coffee for parents
• Admissions events
• Book Swap
• All-school parent party
• Host families
• Representation for Laurel in the Cleveland Consortium of Independent Schools (CCIS)
• Grades 5 and 8 Promotions
• Service projects for various local nonprofits
• Humanitas Award
• Hospitality and flowers for events throughout the year
• Special events and treats for all grades including during exam week
Assist with the following special events:
• Back-to-School Ice Cream Social
• Fall Fest at Butler
• Green & White Day
• After Prom
• Dance chaperones
• Upper School dance planning
• Class breakfasts
• Song Contest breakfast
• Field trip chaperoning
• Kindergarten Iron Girl
• Greek Olympics
• Snowflake Ballet
• Family Movie Night at Butler
Launchpad Volunteer Opportunities
The Launchpad is a department that serves Upper School students as they seek to discover their strengths and passions while exploring academic, personal and career interests. The Launchpad is home to Laurel initiatives including Capstone Program, College Guidance, Entrepreneurship, Protégé Program and Passport Travel Program.
If you are willing to connect with a student individually to share about your career, to host a student intern and/or are interested in sitting on a career panel, please contact Claudia Zalevsky in the Development Office (cZalevsky@LaurelSchool.org).
Join Us!
*Below is a sample of events throughout the year. Please visit LaurelSchool.org/Calendar for a full list of school events.
AUGUST 15
Ice Cream Social
AUGUST 21
LSPA Welcome Coffee
SEPTEMBER 6
LSPA Movie Night at Butler
SEPTEMBER 21
Fall Fest at Butler
OCTOBER 1
New Parent Welcome Gathering
OCTOBER 15
LSPA General Meeting 7-8pm
OCTOBER 22
LSPA/LCRG Community Forum
OCTOBER 26
Halloween Extravaganza at Lyman
NOVEMBER 18-21
Laurel Fund Family Challenge
JANUARY 24
LSPA All-School Parent Party
FEBRUARY 22
Boosters Casino Night
MARCH 4
Laurel Fund Day of Giving
APRIL 9
LSPA/LCRG Community Forum
APRIL 23
LSPA General Meeting 7-8pm
MAY 2
LSPA Faculty/Staff
Appreciation Day
MAY 30
Green & White Day
Thank you, parents!
We are honored to partner with you in educating your child. Our goal is to provide the very best enriching, well-rounded experience. By engaging with us and embracing opportunities to volunteer, participate and donate, you create a lasting impact on “these dear walls,” the dreams of our students, and the future of our graduates.
Development Office
1 Lyman Circle
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44 122
LaurelSchool org /LaurelFund 21 6. 4 55. 3031