Fulfilling the Promise: The Capital Campaign for BCD

Friday night marked the start of the final phase of Fulfilling the Promise: The Campaign for BCD which is raising funds for our Facilities (the Kevin Hirt Library and Learning Commons and the Kim and James Taylor Music and Performance Room) and BCD’s Endowment (and in particular, the Fund for Faculty Salaries and Professional Development for our teachers).  A standing-room only crowd of over 250 guests, representing many generations of BCD families, faculty, trustees, and friends filled Fitzpatrick Hall.  Truly, the best of BCD, in every way we define that, was brought to, in, and left Fitzpatrick on Friday night, and everything rose to a level of meaning and perfection beyond expectation.  Attendees, thank you one and all!

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that I share with you our progress.  The goal of this Campaign is to raise $3,000,000, and to date, we have raised $2,838,548!  We have just $161,452, or 5.4%, to go!  We’re contributing more to faculty salaries next year, we’re breaking ground in June, and without any added debt.

I have many individuals to acknowledge and thank:

Our Event Chair, Hilary Ferrone – who has been a singular and extraordinary force since day one and throughout the entire campaign – and her exceptional team of parent volunteers, Ellen Boyd, Bev Hosokawa, Suzannah Van Schaick, Elizabeth Powell, Bridget Hall-Wotkiewich, Natalie Neubert, and Robin Seeley.  With Jessica Provenz, Joanne DelCarpine, and other staff members, the gym was transformed into a starry night for the BCD history books!

Honorary Co-Chairs Kim and James Taylor, whose amazing and almost boundless generosity, humble service, and passionate advocacy for BCD for 11 years, has helped position us to realize our dreams and everything we hold dear and imagine for our beloved BCD.

Campaign Co-Chairs and current parents Chris and  Hilary Ferrone brought all of their passion for BCD and talents to this multi-year effort.  From day one, from daring to imagine a campaign, step by step, and week after week, to hanging the stars in the gym, they have been central forces for good and quality, involved with each decision, strategy, planning effort, personal touch, and the incredible success we have achieved in this campaign.

Campaign Co-Chairs, Phil and Hilary Deely.  Phil was a BCD graduate in 1961, he has served as a Trustee, a Board President, and he was on the 5th Decade Campaign Committee.  He and Hilary brought wisdom, experience, and compelling voices and ideas to the work, and they have been the loudest and most eloquent advocates for BCD in the wider community.

Our Campaign Committee: David and Bev Hosokawa, Danny Lipson, Paige Orloff, Marianna Poutasse, and Scott Schiff ’74, who were all tremendous in their devotion and commitment to this cause and their ability to inspire others to join us.

Our dedicated, tireless advocates and stewards, our Board of Trustees, who are unyielding in their commitment to the School’s future. I offer my profound gratitude to Board President, Paige Orloff. Paige is and has been an extraordinary Board chair: her strength, clear leadership, and vast presence has made a vital difference in this campaign, in our work to advance BCD, and for all that we value at our school.

Trustee and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, Mark Smith and the entire Project Design committee, and everyone (faculty, students, and parents) who was involved in the architect selection and design processes.

Teachers Eugenie and Jim Fawcett, thanks to them and the rest of the Faculty, who are the heart and soul of BCD and who deliver on our promises each and every day. They are the priority of this Campaign and they are what makes BCD the remarkable, revered, and relevant school that it is.

Lynn Campana and Paul Hirt, and many members of Kevin Hirt’s family were with us.  Their support and engagement to help us realize this vision has been an act of love that honors the memory of their son whose impact on this School is immeasurable.

Last but not least, Jessica Provenz, our talented Campaign Associate, who has done so much to advance our progress and to support our committee.  Jessica conceived and produced a video to show the story of the Campaign. She consulted screenwriters and current parents John Orloff and Courtney Hunt and worked to create a truly moving and inspiring film.