Here are some frequently asked questions about the ANNUAL GIVING FUND DRIVE. Please help us today!

1. WHAT IS ANNUAL GIVING?

The Annual Giving Fund makes up over half of the funds raised by Friends Of Third. It is comprised of optional donations from parents who want an excellent eductional experience for their children. ALL children at Third Street benefit from these donations and parents are asked to give what they can. Regardless of family ability to contribute, ALL children will be able to participate in ALL school/class activities.

2. WHO IS FRIENDS OF THIRD?

Friends of Third (FOT) is a non-profit 501(c)3 created by parents at Third Street School. It is guided by a Board of Directors and raises funds for programs for ALL students at Third Street. All parents have a voice at the monthly FOT meetings held the 1st Friday each month after drop off. Anyone interested in becoming a board member will be considered. Click here to learn more about programs funded by Friends of Third.

3. WHEN CAN I CONTRIBUTE?

Contribute today! Contributions to the Annual Giving Fund are accepted all year -- but the sooner that Friends of Third receives the funds the better we can ensure that our educational programs will continue throughout the entire school year. Our goal to keep the programs and meet our budget this year is $233,000. To meet the Annual Giving Fund goals, we are asking for a minimum of $625 per child this year.  Contributions are optional, however programs provided by Friends of Third may be at risk of reduction/elimination if the fundraising goals cannot be met.

4. WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Friends of Third's budget for 2011-2012 gives each teacher $400 for classroom use, pays for our computer lab and technology teacher, pays for a full-time library aide and after-school library assistant allowing the library to remain open for kids until 5:30pm.  In addition, FOT funds a principal's discretionary fund for Dr. Oh, pays for about two field trips per class this year, provides an amazing music program with recorder and Orrf instruments along with a music teacher, as well as a playground specialist to better organize recess on the yard and assist teachers with PE.

5. HOW DOES FRIENDS OF THIRD RAISE THE OTHER HALF OF THE $202,000?

This year we are focusing on three main events in addition to Annual Giving in an effort to avoid ''donor/volunteer burnout''. These events are International Cultural Day, an evening Gala/Silent Auction, and a school-wide Walk-a-Thon. We still plan on having the Coin Drive, after-school Snack Shop, Recycling Program and Panther Cares School Supplies Drive benefiting homeless children. Watch our thermometer display near the June Street entrance to see how we are progressing!

6. HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE?

Fill out the response card on our brochure and give it to your child's teacher or put it in the Friends of Third (FOT) mail slot in the Main Office. Be sure to include your child's name and room #. Or, go to the Support Us page of this website and pay online using a credit or debit card. 

7. HOW MUCH SHOULD I CONTRIBUTE?

We ask $625 per child, but whatever you can give is needed and appreciated. ALL children at Third Street benefit from this voluntary giving!  Any amount is welcome.  Regardless of family ability to contribute, ALL children will be able to participate in ALL school/class activities.

Thank you!

Tara Brancato
Annual Giving Fund Chair
fundraising@friendsofthird.org

Francis Okwu & Jennifer Rissier
Friends of Third Co-Presidents
friendsinfo@friendsofthird.org