Part six of this six-part series offers insights into Clairbourn’s educational philosophy and the elements of the program which have led to noteworthy accomplishments by its alums.
When people are inspired to give, it flows from their conviction that such acts will be worth their time, attention, and investment. Cultivating that kind of conviction in others is no easy task, and it is often determined by the quality of the messages imparted combined with the skills and influence of the messenger. Consequently, fundraisers or leaders of causes need to be fearless, passionate, articulate, and well informed. They need social awareness to adapt their message to a wide variety of audiences and they need to know how to offer fluid methods of giving, donating, or participating.
Although that skillset sounds complicated, it’s quite naturally acquired when it is a part of a student’s early educational experience. In developing the whole child, Clairbourn combines academic rigor with social skills, community activities, and public speaking. All of these necessary elements to rally a community can be seen in the work of Clairbourn alumnae Tiffany and Kimberly Chang, Christie and Kathryn Huang, and Sara Lowin who serve as executive directors of Madhatter Knits.
section on fundraising.
On their website, the online appeals, messaging, and guidance for volunteers, is spectacular! They offer an online platform to “Build Your Page, Involve Others, and Get Creative.” Volunteers are show how to run their own fundraiser and inspire friends, family, co-workers, and community members to contribute to their fundraising goals. They also help them with a “Fundraising in 5 Easy Steps” guide which covers key points like: Tell Your Story, Complete Your Plan, Ask Everyone, Follow Up and Ask, Say Thanks, and one additional tip, Report the Impact.
Proof that Madhatter Knits knows how to generate interest in their cause with the money following, is shown in how they recently raised over $22,000 for the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles COVID-19 Relief Fund (surpassing their original goal of $5000 and thus earning a certificate of Fundraising Excellence from CHLA).
Further evidence of their prowess in fundraising and friendraising can be seen in the number of Clairbourn alumnae who’ve joined them as volunteers including Allison Chang, Carissa Coane, Kristin Haegelin, Isabella Hernandez, Elaine Hong, Zarah Huo, Makenna Kibbe, Piper Kibbe, Kennedy King, Madeleine King, Riya Duddalwar, Elise Desjarlais, Jamie Notley, Emmie Waite, and Andrea Ma. That’s in addition to all of the people who donate their time volunteering for Madhatter Knits in local chapters as well as across the globe in 10 additional countries.
This kind of success with large-scale group giving is inspiring in and of itself. But, Madhatter Knits having this type of success with founders that are so young highlights the fact that great good can happen when students have early educational exposure to a culture of giving.
When all five of these alumnae were only eight years old, they gained hands-on fundraising exposure through Clairbourn’s Door of Hope Pocket Change Drive in second grade. They used their public speaking skills to engage members of the school community, to describe how homeless families would be helped, and then to make the ask for donations of pocket change to meet their fundraising goal. They honed their messaging skills with Morning Assembly announcements, gave running totals and interesting details about how the funds are applied, and at the very end, they held an impressive check-presentation ceremony with the Door of Hope director in front of the whole school.
Each grade at Clairbourn finds a way to serve the community in a similar fashion. Fourth-and fifth-graders collect pet supplies to donate to animal shelters at Christmas. Fifth-graders run school supply drives for underserved school children, and students in Middle School conduct book drives, volunteer at food distribution events, or support disaster relief efforts. Even the younger grade students help out with school-wide canned food and drives or making cards for first responders.
Clairbourn uses these lessons on giving to show students how to work together towards a common goal, inspire others, and make a difference. Giving is everywhere you look on campus. Without being required to do volunteer hours, parents are a regular presence on campus and donate their time, talents, and money to support the school. They provide daily examples of giving in action in order to show their children that when you believe in something, you make the time to volunteer, take on leadership roles, and set a good example for others.
These fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer activities all work together to help students identify with a global community and help empower them with the knowledge, skills, and heart to help causes that matter. When Clairbourn students find ways to give, they not only experience a relevant context for their ethical and character lessons that they receive daily, but they are developing a sense of community and purpose which are proven to result in happiness and life satisfaction—and that’s an education delivering what truly matters.
To learn more about how Clairbourn can meet the educational needs of your preschool through Grade 8 students, sign up for a tour or reach out to our Admissions Department personnel who are happy to help you learn more about our programs.
Clairbourn School Provides Private School Education for Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Middle School Grades | Serving Families in the Pasadena, California, Area and Surrounding Cities (K-12 Private Schools) Clairbourn is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Creating Scholars and Leaders with Heart