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Chief Advancement Offi cer
From the Chief Advancement Officer
The Report of the Schools
is our opportunity to recognize the extraordinary investment made by alumni, parents and friends in support of our mission. As we conclude our first century and reflect on our past, we know that your investments clearly set us up for success and pave the way for the next 100 years. While we look toward the future, the 2020-21 school year presented an ever-changing set of circumstances and challenges to overcome.
There are only so many ways to say that last year was unlike any other without growing weary, but in the case of philanthropy at Webb the story takes a heroic turn. The Webb Fund Heroes Challenge was launched in the fall with a $2.1 million investment from an anonymous alumnus in the Class of 1963. Our challenge was to match that gift with $1.9 million in additional unrestricted funds to end the year with $4 million. Why was that so important? First, it is worth noting that it had never been done before. If successful, this would be the largest amount ever raised in a single year for unrestricted giving. It came at a time when the school was facing signifi cant budget challenges resulting from the forced closure of our boarding program and in-person instruction. Next, it would require a high level of participation and trust at a time when we could not physically come together. Much of our outreach would be limited to squares on a screen, emails, texts, and phone calls. Most importantly, we knew these funds were needed to ensure the success of each Webb student and faculty member. From technology upgrades to fi nancial aid, from faculty development to facility maintenance, and certainly the operating costs associated with health and safety, the partnership we formed with you was integral to reaching our goal. The end of this story reads like a fairy tale. The list of heroes is long, as you’ll read in the pages that follow. Our community once again came together and fortifi ed us, making us whole. By June 30, 2021, Webb raised more than $4 million to complete the challenge in addition to more than $500,000 for capital and endowment purposes. On behalf of Webb’s Advancement Team and all of us at Webb, thank you. You are our heroes.
Gratefully,
Bob Fass Chief Advancement Offi cer
