|
|
May 15, 2009
Burning the mortgage
Richmond Jewish Day School reduces debt.
LAUREN KRAMER
It started out as a hopeful venture in 1992, when Richmond Jewish Day School (RJDS) first opened its doors in portables located on the parking grounds of Beth Tikvah Synagogue in Richmond.
But since those early days, the school has flourished and grown, with 125 current students and many successful alumni. This year, it is preparing to burn the last of its mortgage and position itself for future growth and success in coming years.
The school relocated to its permanent home in 1998. A year earlier, its board of directors acquired 2.35 acres of land on No. 5 Road and built a gymnasium, four classrooms, a library, a kitchen and space for a playground, which was added later. There was a debt to pay, however, and so, in 2007, a handful of committed parents established a capital campaign aimed at eliminating that debt, ensuring RJDS's long-term viability and the expansion of its programs and services.
The campaign aimed to raise $750,000 a year for three years. The Diamond Foundation pledged to contribute $250,000 for each of three years, providing the school could raise $500,000 a year over that period.
"In 2007 and 2008, we achieved that goal," said Jeff Topp, capital campaign chair. So far, the school has raised $210,000, meaning it has another $290,000 still to fundraise to meet its 2009 goal.
"By paying off our mortgage, it will enable us to deal with the fluctuations in enrolment that private schools need to deal with, as well as to maintain our current programs," he said. "To meet this year's goals, we're making a lot of phone calls right now. In this economy, you have to knock on many more doors than one would've had to in the past."
Fundraising initiatives have included a golf tournament at the Richmond Country Club, now in its seventh year, as well as Battle of the Bands, a joint fundraiser with the Louis Brier Home and Hospital, held late last year. Another innovative fundraising technique is the flow-through offering program, the first of its kind by a Jewish organization in Greater Vancouver.
"Basically, it offers significant extra tax benefits for donors," said Shay Keil, an RJDS board member. "It allows donors to give to RJDS and receive double the tax benefits from ordinary cash donations, so it's a great win-win situation for RJDS and for its donors."
Jeff Moss, co-chair of the board, is optimistic the school will reach its financial goals this year. "Despite the global financial challenges, we have very generous support from critical donors and the community," he said. "Our future is viable and highly necessary in Richmond, because RJDS fills a fundamental need in the Jewish community of this city. We provide a great curriculum in a family-oriented, positive environment and it's critical we continue to do so, not just for now, but for generations to come."
RJDS's educational offerings include programs in music, drama, Israeli dance, a choir, a day care before and after school, basketball, track and field meets and preschool programs for three- and four-year-olds.
This year's golf tournament takes place Monday, May 25. For more information, visit www.rjdsgolf.com.
Lauren Kramer is a Vancouver freelance writer.
^TOP
|
|
