Hold on to your Samuel Williston top hats! This year’s Founders Day is shaping up to be even bigger and better than last year’s: If 500 donors make a gift to the Williston Northampton Fund or Parents’ Fund on February 22, a group of anonymous donors is going to give the school $50,000.
The day, which is a way to honor the founding of Williston Academy by Samuel and Emily Williston, as well as the Northampton School for Girls by Sarah Whitaker and Dorothy Bement, kicked off last year to celebrate the school’s 175th anniversary.
During the challenge, alumni throughout the world will be asked to consider what they “found” during their time at Williston. A love of football? A best friend? The best teacher they ever had? The perfect slice of pizza at Antonio’s? Whatever they choose, alumni can then print out this sign, fill it in, and take a selfie to post on social media, tagging #FoundersDay1841.
Last year, the challenge was a dramatic success. “Over the course of 24 hours, 528 donors contributed a total of $150,000 to Williston Northampton School,” says Director of Advancement, Patrick J. Burke. “We know we can top last year’s participation in this day of giving.”
To find out more about the Founders Day challenge, check out our website at www.williston.com/foundersday. And on February 22, stay tuned to social media and follow our progress!