A letter written in 1922 to the headmaster of the time, C.R. Wilcox, suggested an “alumni subscription” to raise “the needed funds for Darlington School.” The author suggested “give these boys at least a chance to show their appreciation of the advantages that have been afforded them, and the opportunity of education that they have received.”
Giving this type of annual gift has since been a long-standing tradition – especially among our alumni, who are thrilled to give back to the school that gave them so much, so the Alumni Fund was born.
The Alumni Fund was featured in one of 1957’s Alumni Newsletters. The article detailed different ways to give and noted, “The Office is glad to comply with any plan you might work out for yourself. Try us.”
That statement holds true today – my colleagues and I in the Advancement Office are happy to facilitate any manner of giving that is convenient for you! Whether you want to give once, quarterly or even monthly, we can and will make it happen. As the newsletter says, “Try us.”
Today, it is not just alumni that give to our wonderful school – we are grateful to also have the support of our faculty and staff, past and present parents and grandparents, corporations and foundations, and friends in the community. Just as Darlington has grown and changed over the years, so does the face of these annual gifts. As such, we are now proud to present “The Darlington Fund.”
Changing the name from the Annual Fund to The Darlington Fund is the result of our extensive work on branding and strategic planning. The name represents who we are and what we are trying to accomplish for the school and our students. We hope that you will connect with The Darlington Fund and show your support for the school, our faculty and staff, and most importantly, our students.
Click here to read more about The Darlington Fund.
