The premier independent preschool to eighth grade school in Buffalo, NY.
2023-2024 Giving Impact Report
Dedicated to Thriving
Thank you for prioritizing Elmwood Franklin School in your philanthropic efforts. Your support reaches every corner of the school—funding academic and enrichment activities, supporting faculty salaries, maintaining our facilities, and growing our endowment. Your partnership enables Elmwood Franklin School to carry out its mission of preparing students to thrive—now and into the future.
Thank you!
The 2023-2024 school year's focus was on thriving—in all the ways that matter most to our students. Dr. Kimmet challenged students to develop goals, use the support of classmates and teachers, and provide that same support to others so that our community can thrive together.
The Annual Fund
The 2023-2024 Annual Fund campaign, chaired by Karen and Roger Walcott, brought together 450 donors and raised a total of $348,229 in restricted and unrestricted funds.
Gifts to the Annual Fund supported, among many other things, our sports teams, physical education program, Outdoor Education trips, professional development opportunities for faculty, building improvements, classroom supplies and technology, and field trips.
It would not be too much to say that the Annual Fund enables Elmwood Franklin School to be the extraordinary place it is, and it is our community, all together, that makes it possible. Thank you!
The 2023-2024 Annual Fund campaign, chaired by Karen and Roger Walcott, brought together 450 donors and raised a total of $348,229 in restricted and unrestricted funds.
Gifts to the Annual Fund supported, among many other things, our sports teams, physical education program, Outdoor Education trips, professional development opportunities for faculty, building improvements, classroom supplies and technology, and field trips.
It would not be too much to say that the Annual Fund enables Elmwood Franklin School to be the extraordinary place it is, and it is our community, all together, that makes it possible. Thank you!
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ANNUAL FUND HISTORY
Year |
Annual Fund Total |
Trustee Participation |
Corporation Member Participation |
Parent/ Guardian Participation |
Alumni Participation |
Faculty/ Staff Participation |
2023-2024 |
$348,299 |
100% |
44% |
36% |
9% |
100% |
2022-2023 |
$293,925 |
100% |
44% |
41% |
7% |
100% |
2021-2022 |
$325,226 |
100% |
51% |
48% |
8% |
100% |
2020-2021 |
$317,065 |
100% |
51% |
53% |
9% |
100% |
2019-2020 |
$245,814 |
100% |
58% |
51% |
8% |
100% |
ANNUAL FUND DONOR LISTS
ANNUAL FUND DONOR LISTS
In preparing this report, we have made every effort to avoid errors and omissions. However, if any are found, please accept our apologies and report them to the Development Office. If your gift was received after June 30, 2024, your name will be included in the Elmwood Franklin School 2024-25 Giving Impact Report.
Volunteer Recognition
Giving isn’t limited to money—acts of kindness, both small and large, have a special value of their own. In May, Head of School Ryan Kimmet welcomed Elmwood Franklin’s volunteers to a breakfast reception to give special recognition to a few and heartfelt thanks to all.
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
THE UNSUNG HERO AWARD
The Unsung Hero Award pays special honor to those who work tirelessly for our school, year after year, without fanfare, fulfilling important roles but not always getting the recognition they deserve.
Lorrei DiCamillo has been a silent force, working tirelessly behind the scenes to support and coach our swim team, Girls on the Run programs, and EFS running clubs. Her efforts have not only provided our students with meaningful access to athletics but have also instilled in them a love for sports and a spirit of teamwork. We also cannot overlook the kindness she extends to our faculty and staff with the delicious treats she often brings them. The amazing arrays of baked goods always bring immediate joy and make everyone's day more special. It is not just her actions that deserve recognition but also the heartfelt manner in which she carries them out. For her dedication and impact on our students' lives, we recognized Lorrei DiCamillo as our Unsung Hero.
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Stephanie Kroth's motto seems to be "Ask not what your child's school can do for you, but what you can do for your child's school." And in answer to that question, she has done almost everything. She has served as a Room Representative, Parent Council event chair and volunteer, new family ambassador, AND Parent Council president. She joined the Annual Fund cabinet, Alumni Council, AND Auction committees and then chaired the Auction. She is the school's unofficial archivist, preserving memories for generations to come, and undertook creating an EFS family cookbook. Yet, her role as Auction decorations chair is where she truly shines. With boundless creativity, Stephanie has transformed our school into a spectacle of wonder and joy with a focus on what matters most—the students. This year marked her last as the Auction decorations chair. She's not just leaving big shoes to fill; she's leaving an indelible mark on our school's spirit and vibrancy. For always going above and beyond—and then beyond even that—we recognized Stephanie Kroth as our Unsung Hero.
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PARENT COUNCIL
PARENT COUNCIL
The Parent Council Executive Committee, from left to right, Stephanie Kroth, Abby Gardner, Susan Burke, Megan Whitmore, and Sabina Behr.
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Every parent can be part of Parent Council and find a volunteer opportunity that fits with their time and talents. This past year, we had a great group of parents serving in leadership roles. Parent Council executive committee members Susan Burke, President; Abby Gardner, Vice President; Sabina Behr, Secretary; Megan Whitmore, Room Rep Coordinator; and Stephanie Kroth ’90, ex-officio member were thanked for their leadership. Recognition was also given to Parent Council committee chairs Denise Calvaneso and Marlana White, Fall Fest; Katelyn Bianchi, Abby Gardner, and Marcus Stanfill, Book Fair; Susan Burke and Tracy Deleo, Original Works; and Roger and Karen Walcott, HoliMont Ski Fun Day.
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AUCTION 2024 This year, after an incredibly successful Auction and Afterparty, our chairs Tovah Collins and Michael Ross & Katie Williams and Vishal Rungta and their committees of volunteers helped to raise $349,380 of which $55,420 went toward the purchase of a new EFS bus!
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ALUMNI COUNCIL Tricia Barrett ’92 and Stephanie Kroth '90 were recognized for chairing the Alumni Council and working to build our alumni outreach.
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On Thursday, June 27, we gathered to celebrate the incredible 35-year legacy of band instructor Cheri Truax as she retired. EFS alums Jay Dref '05 and Derek Robins '05 reunited for a special benefit concert in her honor at The Johnston Theatre. The evening was filled with music, memories, and love, with all proceeds supporting Elmwood Franklin's music department to ensure Cheri's impact lives on for generations to come.
Auction 2024
Under the direction of chairs Tovah Collins and Michael Ross & Katie Williams and Vishal Rungta, Auction committee volunteers put together an exciting evening that featured 224 packages from 172 donors, brought together 525 bidders, and raised $349,380 for Elmwood Franklin School!
EVENT SPONSORS
EVENT SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsors
RAISE THE PADDLE
RAISE THE PADDLE
This year's Raise the Paddle event helped fund a new EFS bus to connect our students to the community. At Elmwood Franklin School, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities that not only enhance their academic knowledge but also foster personal growth, teamwork, and community engagement. The addition of this vehicle ensures our students can continue engaging in diverse experiences outside the classroom, enriching their lives today while helping us create lasting memories, build relationships, and inspire dreams.
Forward Thinking
125 Endowment Campaign
We celebrated the success of the 125 Endowment Campaign, securing $11 million in gifts and pledges. We look forward to acknowledging our donors in the next Giving Impact Report!