For years over the winter months, CHA students faced long lists of history and science spelling words, attempting to master them and earn the pledges of sponsors in one final fundraiser for the year. In more recent years, these lists have also included musical compositions memorized by ear, landmarks identified by sight, and civics questions from the U.S. citizenship test. But you have probably noticed we haven’t sent out any of these lists yet. Where have they gone? Well, if you are in need of additional spelling work, feel free to ask Mrs. Andrews in the office for the lists. But in this year of virtue study and habit practice the Fundraising Committee has decided to try out something different. Introducing… the Serve-a-Thon!
What is a Serve-a-Thon?
A Serve-a-Thon is your family’s chance to participate in service projects during the month of April. We have lined up a few service projects already, and you are also welcome to find your own project. A letter for you to send out to those faithful sponsors will be going home via email and Family Mail shortly. Instead of a “per word” pledge, sponsors are encouraged to make a flat donation, or a “per project” pledge. As a reminder, Christiana is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donation made by a sponsor is tax-deductible.
What kinds of projects are being organized?
Currently, we have lined up an outdoor work-day on Friday, April 5th at New Adventure Farm, which is Mr. Stachowiak’s horse boarding farm! Drop-in anytime between 9am - 4pm. Projects at New Adventure Farm may include gardening/mulching, brush removal, barn sweeping, horse grooming, and saddle reconditioning.
Also on the calendar is a work-day at Hashawa Environmental Center from 10am - 12pm on Thursday, April 18th. Responsibilities will include clearing branches from existing trails, cutting back any vegetation encroaching on existing trails, and picking up litter around the park. This work-day will include projects for younger children.
Also, as you read recently in Mr. Jenkins’ Weekly Wrap-Up, or heard at the Parent Meeting, Christiana has started leasing three additional classrooms in the middle “U.” This will be our new high school space for 2024-2025! Families may choose to serve right at Christiana Homeschool Academy by cleaning, painting, and prepping these rooms for classes in the fall.
And of course, students and families are more than welcome to find their own service project. We will not be keeping a record of your participation in projects for sponsors. Operating on the honor system, we trust that families receiving funds for Christiana for the Serve-a-Thon are indeed serving.
What if I have an idea for a service project that others can participate in too?
Send it our way! Email [email protected].
Do I need to participate in the fundraiser in order to join a service project?
No! Although we hope you will join us in this opportunity to raise funds for CHA, families and students may participate in any organized service project whether or not they have secured a sponsor.
High school students participating in any service project may also record the project for the Quarterly Service Reflection and will be acknowledged at the High School Honors Breakfast at the end of the year for their participation.
These service projects are also a great way for Christian students and families to spend time together, serving God.
How much money has Christiana raised so far this year?
We have pulled off a lot of fundraisers already! To date, we have raised around $17,000 of the $43,000 we are counting on our families to bring in. Family fundraising totals are included in the operating budget and we rely on these funds to pay our bills. As previously mentioned, we also have the added burden of paying for the unbudgeted Maryland minimum wage increase, which is an additional $4,000 in expenses for our operating budget for 2023-2024. That is why, even if your family has already reached your fundraising goal total, or if you are a family that traditionally pays the fundraising fee outright, it would really bless us if you would please consider participating in the Serve-a-Thon in order to secure additional funds for Christiana. We hope that this is something that friends and family outside of Christiana would be happy to contribute to!
This is part of the Board Bits: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks series. Is there a question about CHA or homeschool that you would like answered?
Submit inquiries to Tracey at [email protected]