February 3rd, 2011 To whom it may concern, On Saturday, March 26, 2011, Spring Garden Waldorf School (SGWS) will host its 22 nd annual benefit at the beautiful Portage Country Club. Our theme this year is Come together heads, hearts and hands. It is especially important for us to all come together during these difficult economic times and keep in mind that the children are our future. I am writing to request your support of SGWS through a sponsorship, advertising, tangible or monetary donation. Last year, thanks to the overwhelming support of local businesses, SGWS families and community members, our auction raised $23,000 with more than 200 attendees. All of the proceeds of the event go towards a number of important projects, including enhancing the curriculum, furthering professional development of our teachers, increasing the scholarship fund and maintaining the school facility. We believe, with your assistance, that we can reach our goal. Waldorf education is a unique opportunity locally to teach children in a way that nurtures the growth of the whole child head, heart, and hands through highly creative, experiential learning. The children develop a love of learning that will continue to serve them throughout their lifetime. The academic program also includes art, music, foreign language, sign language, woodworking, handwork and physical activities. The school emphasizes mutual respect, interdependence and caring for the world we live in. As Jean Piaget said, The principal goal of education in the schools should be creating men and women who are capable of doing new things, not simply repeating what other generations have done; men and women who are creative, inventive, and discoverers, who can be critical and verify, not accept, everything they are offered. We are bombarded daily with bad news about big problems in the world. It can make us feel small and powerless. Rudolph Steiner envisioned more than just a new kind of education. He envisioned a world and society based on children realizing their whole potential to be creative and make a difference. Individually, we may not feel we can have much impact on the world. But we can, individually, make a big impact on Spring Garden Waldorf School that is changing the lives of these children who will determine the future. What we may not feel we can give directly to Spring Garden, we make up for by finding connections such as sponsors and auction items that multiply our personal giving many times over. In order to support these important efforts, our annual benefit is in dire need of sponsors, advertisers, matching fund donors and donations of monetary or tangible goods & services. Sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity for your organization to gain prominent exposure and highlight your products and/or services, as well as impact the future growth of the school and children of the community. A form is enclosed detailing various sponsorship levels and suggested benefits for your consideration. Thank you for your participation in SGWS s largest fundraising event. Spring Garden Waldorf School is an official 501 (c)(3) non profit (tax ID# 34-1512962), so your generous donations are deductible in accordance with IRS regulations. Your support of our school will help us continue to grow and be able to share this exceptional educational opportunity with not only our children today, but the children of our future. Best regards, Colleen Smith 2011 Auction Chair Sgwsauction2011@gmail.com cell (313) 282-3040
Spring Garden Waldorf School Come Together Heads, Hearts & Hands 2011 Sponsorship Benefits & Pledge Form Background In 1919, the Waldorf curriculum originated in Stuttgart, Germany by Rudolf Steiner. The Waldorf education helps children develop their full potential. It emphasizes disciplined creativity, wonder and reverence and respect for nature and human existence. The curriculum educates a child s heart and hands, in addition to their mind. The comprehensive academic, artistic, and physical education program occurs in a supportive, structured and non-competitive environment, helping children to meet both the challenges of school and life. The uniqueness of the Waldorf curriculum lies primarily in how and when children are taught, not what specifically is taught. It helps to nurture and develop the whole child: physically, emotionally, intellectually, aesthetically, morally and spiritually. Spring Garden Waldorf (SGWS) is one of 850 schools around the world. Founded in 1981, SGWS began its humble beginnings in a parent s home with only a handful of students. It has since then grown to almost 200 students (preschool thru 8 th grade) and is now located on 12 acres in Copley, Ohio. Mission Our mission is to offer our students a Waldorf education which awakens the mind, enlivens the heart and engages the hands, drawing forth each student s ability to become a self-confident, intellectually resourceful and lifelong learner. Waldorf schools are autonomous and independently run, but are linked by their educational philosophy. School Funding Unlike the public schools or private schools associated with a parish, Spring Garden Waldorf is only 5% funded by the government, 80% comes from tuition, and the remaining 15% is achieved through donations and fundraisers. Last year we were able to raise ~ $23,000 at the auction. As you can see, the annual benefit is a major fundraiser at the school. Please consider helping us obtain our goal of $50,000 to keep the school growing. Your help in the form of sponsorship, advertising or donating is deeply appreciated. Benefits of Donating An opportunity to showcase your product, company or individual donation Exposure to over 200 school families, friends, alumni and supporters of SGWS throughout the Northeast Ohio area Direct advertising to more than 200 benefit event attendees Donations are tax deductible
Spring Garden Waldorf School 2011 Annual Benefit Sponsorship Levels & Benefits Platinum Level $5000 Full color page ad in the Auction Program Your name or company listed as a sponsor in event promotional material including invitations, auction program, and website (yearlong) Special auction lot listed in your name in the auction program 2 Reserved VIP tables for 10 at the auction on Saturday March 26, 2011 Gold Level.. $2500 Full black & white ad in the Auction Program Your name or company listed as a sponsor on auction program and website (yearlong) 1 - Reserved VIP table for 10 at the auction on Saturday March 26, 2011 Silver Level $1250 Half page black & white ad in the Auction Program Your name or company listed as a sponsor on auction program and website (yearlong) 4 tickets for the auction on Saturday March 26, 2011 Bronze Level $ 500 Quarter page black & white ad in the Auction Program Your name or company listed as a sponsor on auction program, and website (yearlong) 2 tickets for the auction on Saturday March 26, 2011 Friend of Waldorf $250 Your name or company listed as a sponsor on auction program, and website Please apply a donation of $ / 250 / $500 / $1000 toward appetizers / beverages / dessert (please choose one). Donor will be recognized by announcement prior to serving of above, on signage, in program and at tables. Please remit all forms and payments by February 1, 2011 to: Spring Garden Waldorf School Annual Benefit 1791 South Jacoby Road Copley, Ohio 44321 Phone: (330) 666-0574 / Fax (330) 666-9210 Tax- exempt ID# 34-1512962
ADVERTISING RATES 2011 Auction Catalog Business Card Black & White $30 8.5 x11 Full Page Black & White $150 8.5 x11 Full page 4 color inside front or back page $250 Spring Garden Waldorf School s Annual Benefit Promote your business with us. Over 200 people attended last year s auction. All advertising should be camera ready. Preferred digital files are jpeg PDF TIFF EPS Ads and payments due by February 25, 2011. Checks payable to Spring Garden Waldorf School. 8.5 x5.5 Half Page Black & White $100
OFFICE USE: ITEM NUMBER ***** DONATION AQUISITION FORM***** Spring Garden Waldorf School, s 2011 Annual Benefit Saturday, March 26th Please complete this form CAREFULLY and COMPLETELY as the information will be used in the auction catalog. PART 1 Donor Name/Business Donor Name: If the donor is not a Parent/Staff Member at SGWS, please list their SGWS contact person: Phone: If the donor is a business, who is the person at the business to contact: Phone: Mailing Address: Email: City: State: Zip PART 2 Donated Item: * Item or Service s RETAIL Value: $ * A value is required Expiration Date (if applicable): Detailed description. Please include quantity, size, color, restrictions, special instructions, or other pertinent information that will ensure proper understanding of donated item. This is the description that will be put in the catalog. Advertisement: Business Card 1/2 Page Full Page Full Page ($30) ($100) ($150 b&w) ($250 full color inside front or back page) PART 3 I will mail or deliver my donation to the school by February 28, 2011. I have attached Gift Certificate Donated item included I will need a Gift Certificate Made I would like my donation to be anonymous. I am donating $ to go towards a package. (See Colleen Smith for available packages) Signature: Date: 1791 S. Jacoby Rd., Copley, OH 44321 Phone (330) 666-0574 Fax: (330) 666-9210 Email: sgwsauction2011@gmail.com Website: www.sgws.org On behalf of the SGWS annual benefit committee, thank you for your generous contribution!