By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

In the Jan. 8, 2015, issue of The Monitor, it was reported that St. Paul School, Burlington, had raised more than $100,000 toward its $250,000 goal. On Jan. 12, it was learned that in a week’s time, the amount collected had climbed to $237,018.14. A school representative confirmed that more than $137,000 had been raised in a week and that the school is now just a little over $13,000 shy of its goal.

By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

When the school community of St. Paul, Burlington, was advised in early December that $250,000 was needed to be raised in order to keep their beloved school open, parents and stakeholders began to think outside the box in order to secure the necessary funds.

As William Robbins, principal, explained in his letter to parents and donors, “The parish of St. Katharine Drexel has been using their investment accounts in order to assist with the operations of St. Paul School. Though we all hoped we could avoid this day, the parish is no longer able to continue to fund our school.”

As the New Year begins, the fundraising efforts have amassed almost $100,000, with more donations outstanding and future fundraisers planned.

“It was certainly a group effort,” said Lucy Tomczynski, parent of students Emma and Sean, and a co-vice president of the PTA and Marketing committee.

“Most of the people who are reaching out to help us have attended Catholic schools and understand the importance of a faith-based education,” Tomczynski shared, as she acknowledged organizations such as the PTA and the alumni association for spearheading the fundraising efforts as well as the publicity boost given by the local media.

“The media has been phenomenal,” Tomczynski continued. “The news stations have been out here to do stories for our events and have also done follow-up stories.” She added that social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter have also proven helpful for St. Paul School.

“You never know who is going to see your posts,” she said of utilizing social media. “Someone could see your posts who could be helpful and just what you need.”

During December, events such as the “Ugly Sweater Dance-a-Thon” was attended by many current students and alumni, and the Christmas pageant of the Five Mysteries with a surprise performance by Jersey Sound of Sweet Adalines International raised over $11,000 collectively,” Tomczynski said.

Other fundraisers included a phone-a-thon conducted by the alumni association to solicit funds from past graduates and donations from corporate sponsors such as General Electric and Boeing, who match employee contributions. The Jan. 3 Zumbathon was a success and the school is appreciative of Doane Academy, a private, independent Episcopal Day School in Burlington, that had pledged financial support.

Upcoming fundraisers include the Jan. 9 beef and beer, which many alumni are expected to attend.

In a fundraising update, school supporters shared how they are “actively seeking long term plans and our principal continues to make amazing educational advancements to better our children’s learning experiences.”

The update told of how students have been accepted into the Junior National Honor Society, and compete annually in Math COUNTS competitions. Many middle school students have placed in the Cromwell Poetry Contest, and the new Robotics club has encouraged students to learn basic programming and problem-solving skills.

Plans to increase student enrollment are also being implemented, Tomczynski said.

“We couldn’t do this without the communities’ support and understanding of why this is such an important piece of history to continue in the Burlington area,” Tomczynski said. “We just keep asking for their continued prayers and support,” she said.

The school fundraising committee has stated that if their goal is not met by the mid-January deadline, donations of $50 or more will be returned with the smaller donations going to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Burlington.

To donate to St. Paul School, visit http://www.savestpaulschool.com/