Each year in the spring, Ashley Academy holds an auction. Most of the gifts are donated by families and businesses in the area. There are also special projects and themed baskets made within the classrooms. These projects are a highlight of the auction because of the time, creativity and effort that went into making them. The auction is the largest fundraising activity undertaken each year.
To understand why Ashley Academy has an annual auction, consider the financial model for independent schools. First of all, they start from nothing. They have no government resource from which they are initially funded. They spring from the conviction of founders like those at Ashley Academy more than 25 years ago who put their money where their hearts were and made gifts to build the physical plant, to hire teachers, and to buy books before there were any students in the classroom. However, once the students arrive and tuitions are paid, that’s not the end of the story.
Put simply, it costs more to operate our school than tuition revenues provide. The difference comes in part from earnings on our “savings account” (otherwise known as the endowment), but principally it comes from all those who participate in our major fundraising project each year.
Volunteers play an instrumental role in the success of our annual auction. If you are interested in helping or donating a good or service towards the next Ashley Academy annual auction, then please contact the office at 423-929-7888.
