FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Through its highly successful fundraising activities, Parents Council makes a valuable contribution to Ramaz. The revenue generated by Parents Council is used to fund activities and equipment that directly benefit the students and faculty and that could not otherwise be provided for in the budget.
Parents Council has recently provided funding for the following projects:
- Holiday educational and social programs
- Rosh Chodesh chagigot
- Trip to Hershey Park on chol ha-mo'ed Sukkot
- Theater and art programs for the ECC
- Author in residence programs
- Theater tickets
- Gifts and entertainment in celebration of student advancement
from the Lower and Middle Schools
- Mezuzot for Upper School graduating seniors
- Lower School playroof equipment
- Renovation of the kindergarden kitchen
- Upgraded sound systems in the Middle and Upper Schools
- Guest speakers
- Social evenings for parents of fifth, ninth, and tenth grade
students
- Refurnishing of the Upper School faculty lounge
- Acknowledgement of teachers on holidays
- Publication of the Ramaz calendar
- Computer language lab for the Upper School
Annual Dinner Dance
The
Annual Dinner Dance is the largest fund-raising event of the year.
Organized by a dedicated team of parent volunteers, the formal
event is attended by over 1500 parents, alumni, and friends of
Ramaz. The Dinner allows Ramaz to honor individual members of
the Ramaz family who have distinguished themselves through their
dedication to the spirit and mission of the school. A faculty
member is also honored as "Educator of the Year." The
funds raised provide major support for the Ramaz Scholarship Fund,
Curriculum Development Fund, and Special Education Fund.
The dinner program has neither long speeches nor a formal dais.
The highlight of the program is the song and dance production
presented by students in the chorus, band, and dance groups of
the Upper and Middle Schools. Kol Ram, the Ramaz alumni chorus,
performs as well. The spirited evening is always entertaining
and memorable.
Auction and Raffle
The
Spring Auction and Raffle is a major fundraiser sponsored by Parents
Council. The evening includes dinner and silent, Chinese and live
auctions. The Auction committee and other parent volunteers solicit
the items that are auctioned which generally include trips, jewelry,
art, Judaica, accessories, clothing and tickets to shows and sports
events.
The raffle buys a chance to win one of three to five prizes. Auction
items are also listed for online bidding. The grand prize is usually
a year of free tuition. The raffle drawing is held the same night
as the Auction, but one does not have to attend the Auction to
win a raffle prize. Parent volunteers sell raffle tickets by phone
starting two months before the Auction.
Book Fairs
Parents Council organizes a Judaic Studies book fair for the Lower
and Middle Schools and a General Studies book fair for the Lower
School. The Judaic Studies book fair is held in the auditorium
of the Lower School and provides an opportunity to purchase a
wide array of
sifrei kodesh, commentaries, Jewish reference
books, software, and Hebrew language books at a variety of levels.
Students can purchase books when they visit the book fair with
their class. Parents can visit the book fair with their children
or at anytime throughout the day.
The General Studies book fair is held in the Lower School auditorium.
A percentage of the proceeds from sales is donated to Parents
Council.
Tribute and Memory Cards
Parents Council sells Tribute Cards for celebrations and for times
of sorrow. The pre-printed cards are available with one of the
following inscriptions: "In honor of," "In memory of," "For the
Bar Mitzvah of," or "For the
Bat Mitzvah of." Each
package of five cards is sold for $25. Cards may be ordered by
calling
(212) 774-8000, ext. 6215.
