Thank You for Making a Difference

A donor, defined in simplest terms, is someone who contributes something to an organization. Now most people automatically think of money when they hear the word donor, but at an institution like Darlington, our donors give of their time, talent and treasure. That is what makes a good place great!

When I ask alumni and parents why they support the school, the answers are almost always the same. “Darlington gave me/my child a solid foundation and I want to help make that possible for another student.” “Someone was giving to Darlington when I was a student, and now I can return the favor.” Whether the donor volunteers time, gives $25 or $25,000, the stories are always the same – someone cared enough to make a difference and now I want to do the same.

The Gift of Time

The time that our parents, friends and alumni continue to invest in our school is truly invaluable. From volunteering in the classrooms and enriching the lives of our faculty and students to organizing events on campus, across the country and around the world, the gift of time is immeasurable. One of the greatest gifts anyone can give to Darlington is referring a new family. This gift continues to give for a lifetime.

The Gift of Talent

Sharing talent comes in so many different forms. From the leadership of our Board of Trustees and Alumni Council members to the leadership of our parent organization officers and members, we are stronger because people share their talents with us each and every day. One great example of giving back is Career Day, where alumni from all over the country share invaluable career and networking opportunities with our students.

The Gift of Treasure

As an independent school, the financial generosity of our parents, alumni, parents of alumni and grandparents who support our students and faculty through the Annual Fund is critical to the success of our school. By supporting 5% of the school’s budget, you are providing opportunities for our students to succeed in the classroom, on stage and on the playing field.

On behalf of everyone here at Darlington, thank you for caring enough to continue giving your time, talent and treasure to Darlington. Whether we live in Rome, Ga., or Rome, Italy, we all have a story of how transformative this place has been in our lives or the lives of our children. One-hundred-and-nine years later, Darlington continues to produce strong young men and women who are making a difference in the world. They make a difference because you are making a difference!

This is part of a blog series written to highlight what it means to be a donor in the Darlington Community and the various ways one can give back to the school. On Aug. 30, the school will host its first-ever Thank a Donor Day to recognize the individuals and businesses whose generous gifts make Darlington the special places that it is.