Phone-a-Thon Update: About 62% of the goal has been met. Obviously the last days of the month are critical. Volunteers are urged to sign up with Mrs. Teitz.
Notre Dame Academy begins its annual Phone-a-Thon on Monday, October 6.
Phone-a-Thon is an event that brings the whole community together to help support the school.
The fundraiser is organized by Claire Teitz who plays a huge role in keeping tuition affordable while also providing resources for technology upgrades and new programs.
“The money raised during Phone-a-Thon helps all NDA students and families by keeping tuition lower for everyone and providing many other things like technology and new programs at NDA,” Teitz explained.
Students who want to participate can sign up alone or with friends by filling out a form or contacting Mrs. Teitz directly.
Volunteers meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Atrium and then have pizza and snacks before heading to the Priory offices to begin calling.
After a quick training session, students spend the rest of the evening reaching out to NDA parents and alumni.
Although the event runs until 8 p.m., students are welcome to volunteer for as long as they can.
“I appreciate any time that students can volunteer,” Teitz said. “If you have to leave early, that is not a problem.”
Prizes are awarded each night for the most “yes” calls, the most “no” calls, and the highest total raised.
For Teitz, Phone-a-Thon isn’t just about collecting donations, it’s also about community.
“Phone-a-Thon gives our students the chance to connect with alumni and families while making a direct impact on our school,” she said.
NDA students are encouraged to bring a friend, an empty stomach, and help continue a tradition that supports everyone in the NDA community.
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Phone-a-Thon, NDA’s second biggest fundraiser, will run through the month of October with students calling from the school on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:30-8 p.m.
Assistant Director of Development Claire Teitz, who has been coordinating the fundraiser for 13 years, said, “I need people to volunteer. People love to talk to students.”
To make things interesting, clubs, teams or groups that send at least five members can earn up to 5% of the money they bring in, and the group could take home as much as $500.
All participants also receive service hours and are given pizza and snacks for volunteering.
No prior experience is needed as a brief training session will be provided, and then a script will be given out.
“I know calling is not everyone’s cup of tea,” said Teitz. “Some people like doing it as well as being with their friends. Just try it. I’m not going to force you to phone, just hang out, fill out the sheets and help wherever you can.”
“Our goal is $135,000, and the money goes into an operating account with some of the money used for tuition assistance,” she explained.
Although tuition is around $8300 per student, the actual cost per student is more like $12,000, and the two fundraisers–Phone-a-thon and Tritonfest–provide the extra money to keep tuition down and provide funding for new programs and technology.
Students sign up by emailing the coordinator, who meets volunteers in the atrium and then puts them to work calling from priory offices.
If students have any questions or concerns, they should contact the coordinator at [email protected].
Volunteering students could possibly call up to 400 alumni, parents and past donors in an evening.
If a person agrees to donate, NDA will send the donor a form in the mail to fill out and send money.
Over the years, Teitz has seen every kind of donor — from generous supporters who give thousands annually to one man who makes a point of donating just a single dollar every year.
Teitz recognizes students’ busy schedules but hopes for another successful year with this fundraiser.
According to her, student interaction with donors boosts donations because donors like to talk to the students who directly benefit from their donations.
“I’m grateful that people volunteer,” she added.
