Why a Gift Campaign?

History

Over the past several years, the PTO has infused an average of $40,000 per year into Burr. In the past, a spring auction or other major event was the primary source for these funds, with the balance coming from a series of smaller efforts like gift wrap and bake sales.

This model was extremely labor-intensive, and took a toll on our volunteers and on the local businesses that we depend on for donations and sponsorships. And not every family was able to participate in raising funds - less than a third of Burr families attended and contributed to these efforts.

In 2007 the PTO launched Gift for Burr, our first gift campaign. It was a tremendous success, exceeding our fund raising goal for the year by more than 18%! Most importantly, an unprecedented 66% of Burr families participated, making it the most inclusive and universally supported fundraising effort in PTO history.


Why a Gift Campaign?

The Gift for Burr campaign allows the entire Burr community to participate in supporting our school.  It also helps to keep fundraising levels consistent from year to year, without overburdening volunteers and our local businesses.

The Burr community has committed to providing Burr School with over $42,000 for the 2011-2012 school year,

The vast majority of these funds will be raised through the Gift for Burr Campaign, making it's success critical.

(The remainder is raised through other PTO events with community building and/or academic support elements, such as Burr Night at the Red Sox and the Book Fair, through  indirect fundraisers such as the Target and BoxTops promotions, and through the support of local businesses and corporations.)

Will This Be the Only Major Fundraiser this Year?

Yes! There will not be a traditional auction, and we will not have vendor-driven fundraisers such as gift wrap or cookie dough sales where a third party profits from of our efforts.

Every penny raised through        Gift for Burr goes directly to the school - a major reason to use this more efficient fundraising model.