from the prairie fund chair

“I ask that you keep every single one of your own personal reasons for supporting Prairie in mind as we move forward together.”

Dear Prairie Families,

It’s that time again: the season of the “year in review.” Reflection can be a powerful tool, but it can also be overwhelming to think back over a full 12 months — especially during a year like this most recent one. It’s the reason we gravitate toward “Top 10” lists, and articles that help us break down and digest all that has happened, and how we can build on the good moving forward.

As I thought back on the year in fundraising, I considered writing for you a list, “Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Give to Prairie.” But each one of us has one, two, three, or four reasons living right in our own homes.

Mine are named Emma ’20, Wyatt ’22, and Gretta ’29. Each has had their own unique experience at Prairie, making it impossible for me to narrow down the list even for our own family.

You’re holding this magazine in your hands, which I’m guessing means you feel much the same. Maybe your grandchild is the happiest they’ve ever been at Prairie; maybe your own personal experience in a certain teacher’s class changed the course of your career, or your life. Together, we could easily compile a top 10, 20, or even 100 reasons why this incredibly dynamic school is worth our continued support.

For the last two years, I have reached out to you each fall, asking for your collaboration in growing the Prairie Fund, the annual fundraising drive that supports everything from curricular resources to faculty enrichment to athletic uniforms. You have answered in droves; your commitment has produced consecutive record-setting totals, providing funds for programs, people, and places on campus, old and new — giving us even more reasons to love this community.

I ask that you keep every single one of your own personal reasons for supporting Prairie in mind as we move forward together, into a new year that already looks different than in the past. We have proven the power of collective action; now more than ever, it is incumbent on us to continue that charge to propel our students and our community forward.