Notre Dame Academy is looking for volunteers and clubs to participate in the annual Phone-a-Thon fundraiser that runs through October.
Phone-a-Thon goes until October 29, and students from NDA call alumni, family, and friends to ask for a donation towards the high school.
With NDA being a private high school, fundraising is one of the main sources of money. This helps to offset the cost of tuition as well as provide funding for new programs and technology.
“Phone-a-Thon is Notre Dame Academy’s second biggest fundraiser and is in desperate need of volunteers,” said Mrs. Claire Teitz, assistant director of development who has been coordinating the fundraiser for 12 years.
The calling sessions will be held every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in October from 5:30-8 p.m.
“I need people to volunteer. People love to talk to students,” said Teitz.
No prior experience is needed as a brief training sessions will be provided, and then a script will be given out.
Senior Greta Fangman, pictured above with Teitz, has worked Phone-a-Thon for three years. “It’s very fun, and an easy way to get service hours,” she said.
Volunteers representing a club or organization will receive 5% of the proceeds and service hours. It is not mandatory to go to every session.
An email from Teitz has been sent out to students with the sign-up form. If students have any questions or concerns, they should contact the coordinator at [email protected].
Pizza and treats will be provided at every phone-calling session.
.Phone-a-Thon has been happening since NDA opened and raises $175,000-$220,000 a year with this year’s goal being $175,000.
Volunteering students could possibly call up to 400 alumni, parents and past donors in an evening.
The average donation is around $100, said Teitz, who highlighted one donor who loves to give a few thousand dollars yearly to make the student calling happy.
If a person agrees to donate, NDA will send the donor a form in the mail to fill out and send money.
Teitz recognizes students’ busy schedules but hopes for more student volunteers.
Student interaction with donors boosts donations because donors like to talk to the students who directly benefit from their donations.
Normally friends will come in groups and volunteer together, and Teitz reminds clubs and teams about the 5% of donations they can earn with at least 5 members calling in a night.
