Colorado Academy held its fourth annual CA Gives Day on a October 23, 2020. Despite a cold fall day and challenging times, the CA community participated enthusiastically, once again exceeding all expectations. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of 932 parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, current and former faculty and staff, and trustees, we raised $773,000 in support of The CA Fund, a five percent increase over the amount raised last year.
“While this would be cause for celebration in any year, it is truly remarkable during this pandemic,” says Head of School Dr. Mike Davis. “I am so grateful for the generosity of our community. Many things are different in the world right now, but one thing remains consistent—the extraordinary dedication of the CA community.”
Donors from 25 states and as far away as China participated in CA Gives Day. In addition to many parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, and current and former faculty and staff, 102 CA alumni from the classes of 1964 to 2020 made a gift or pledge. Current CA students even joined in the celebration! One CA Kindergartener came to school on the morning of CA Gives Day with her own gift of $2.33 (because she is in the Class of 2033) in a baggie, with a note that said, “I love CA” with a drawing of Gus.
“Wow! I am so grateful for the amazing generosity of our CA community, especially during such complicated and difficult times,” says Board of Trustees Development Committee Chair and parent, Meshach Rhoades. “Every gift is a testament to CA’s teachers and administrators who have truly gone above and beyond during this pandemic to ensure that CA students continue to receive an extraordinary CA education while staying safe and healthy. With your support, we will also continue the essential work of building an inclusive and empathetic community—which helps all of our students develop their own perspectives and embrace their uniqueness. Thank you!”
Matching challenges inspire donations
As in past years, there were matching challenges throughout the day to encourage donors to participate and increase the impact of their gifts. The CA community responded with incredible enthusiasm, easily surpassing each challenge. Thanks to the generosity of the three families who issued the challenges, an additional $100,000 was added to The CA Fund and CA Gives Day totals.
CA Fund Chair, trustee, and parent of alumnae Liz Arnold also shared her thoughts on this year’s CA Gives Day, saying, “I continue to be in awe of the generosity of the CA community. By supporting The CA Fund, you are ensuring CA fulfills its mission to create curious, kind, courageous, and adventurous learners and leaders—a mission that is more important now than ever before.”
Participation by all members of the CA community is critical to the success of The CA Fund, which is the school’s annual giving program. Tuition and fees only cover approximately 90 percent of a CA education, and The CA Fund, as well as endowment returns, helps to bridge the gap. This year, The CA Fund is more important than ever, helping to ensure that CA has the vital resources necessary to support families who have new or increased needs for financial aid; protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff; supply technology to enhance and support classroom and virtual learning; and help us to continue the important work of building and inclusive, diverse, and empathetic community. Thank you to everyone who has supported The CA Fund this year! Every gift, no matter the size, supports CA students and helps us to advance our mission.
CA’s fiscal year runs until June 30, 2021, so if you are able, there is still time to support The CA Fund.