SJA / OLA ALUMNAE
CLASS FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE
** Note: If you have connections with large
benefactors who may wish to donate to OLA, feel free to work towards a much larger
goal than $5000 per class!
How: Any way possible….personal donations,
fundraisers, donations from other churches, schools, or concerned supporters,
corporate sponsors, etc.
** Note: This project is not meant to be a burden for
anyone who used to live or is living in the BSL/Coast area who may be dealing
with Katrina damages and losses. We
know you have a lot to deal with right now.. This project is voluntary, and is geared
towards SJA and OLA alumnae who are outside the local area and who have been wanting to help out
in some way. Everyone is invited to
participate only to the extent that they can or wish to.
Deadline: By
Why: In order for OLA to move home to their own
facilities in time for the 2006-2007 school year (next year), OLA must
aggressively raise the funds necessary to repair the extensive damages to Mercy
Hall’s roof and interior. Other school
equipment is also necessary for next school year (such as refurnishing and outfitting
the science and computer laboratories) but none of this can take place until
Mercy Hall is repaired. The building
must have the roof repaired to keep out weather and other interior and exterior
repairs. OLA needs approximately
$150,000-$200,000 to complete these repairs.
This alumnae challenge gives us all a specific challenge within a
specific timeframe, with all of us working towards a common goal. Our longterm goal
is to ensure that the OLA tradition continues indefinitely.
Background and
Calculations: Since OLA was founded
in 1971, there have been 34 graduating classes. There are even more classes if we count
SJA. If 34 classes each raised $5000, that would be approximately $170,000! It would be even more if the SJA classes
participated, and even more if some of the classes raised more than $5000. Graduating class size has varied a little
from year to year, and some classmates may be hard to locate for
participation. But let’s use a class
size of 20 as an average. For 20 people
to raise $5000, they would each be responsible for raising $250 each. In the event that classmates choose to make
personal donations, please remember that all donations are completely tax
deductible. There are many other
variables that could come into play during this challenge. Those who suffered large damages or lost
their homes or jobs in Katrina are likely not in a position to donate money
because they are dealing with large financial losses. But perhaps others outside the Coast area
would be in a position to donate more to compensate for this, or could hold a
small fundraiser to make up the difference.
What If We Can’t Raise
$5,000? It’s OK!
What’s important is that we all give it our best shot to show support
our alma mater. Whatever each class contributes will be greatly appreciated.
What if I already
donated money to OLA right after the storm? If you have already donated to OLA and are
not in a position to donate any more or participate in fundraising any more
than you already have, that’s OK. We
thank you for your previous contribution.
Participation in this project is voluntary, and at the level with which
you are comfortable.
How Will Classes Get
Organized For This Effort? Recommend classes
communicate with each other first prior to exchanging or sending in money. You may wish to do a small fundraiser
together, or decide to have individual goals and responsibilities. Classes can coordinate with each other and
turn in money all at one time, via one person, or mail in or contribute through
the website individually. Please ensure
your class year is marked on any payment that you make to OLA.
Summary: To all SJA and OLA alumnae…..OLA needs our
help! If you enjoyed your experience at OLA, then you probably feel like other
alumnae who want to see the OLA tradition continue and thrive in the
future. Again, Sr. Jackie’s goal is to
be operating full time in OLA’s facilities by the start of the 2006-2007 school
year. This means all funds and repairs
to Mercy Hall and other facilities must be completed by
